SEASONAL SUGGESTIONS

No. 93-MAY/JUNE-2005

SPRING HAS SPRUNG -- SUMMER IS HERE

By Marty Mann

As spring Equinox passed, the new growth and awakening buds developed with new vigor --on the brink of summer.

The ongoing process of snipping new growth as soon as it hardens is continues into May and June before it creates long and undesirable internodes. By constant reshaping and cutting back, the growth of deciduous trees encourage delicate side branching and a softer overall look. Remember, the object of cut back is to maintain a relationship between the size of the leaves and branches to the overall size of the tree. The process of constant cut back also encourages branch thickening and adds an aged look. Watch the exposed end cuts. Apply a tree seal, or just old-fashioned Elmer's glue, to larger cuts or carvings.

Let’s pay attention to the azaleas in your collection. March or April were the best months to repot and trim long whips and branches. Since May is the blooming season for most azalea varieties (remember-Satsuki means 5th month) you may enjoy the flowers without concern for feeding and trimming. Keep the plants moist but avoid overhead watering as this causes blooms to lose their color and vigor. Cut back shoots that have outgrown the design perimeters.

After the flowers have reached their peak, remove all faded blooms. A flat cut at the base of the flower removes excessive stem elongation and allows new buds to form next year.

Hold off any activity on the soft deciduous growth until it hardens. Keep your eye on the upper portion of deciduous trees. Upper branches tend to thicken and ruin the taper of the design. Heavy top growth deprives the bottom branches of light and nourishment. Watch the wires you put on since damage occurs quickly when growth is active. Remove fast growing water shoots coming out of the root system or the lower trunk area. Cut back on the long internodes and opposite branches.

Leaf pruning may be done later in June or early July. Be sure the trees are healthy and growing vigorously. Feed them well two weeks before you proceed. It’s often better to leaf prune only partially. Start with oversized leaves, damaged leaves or selected areas of the tree. This piecemeal approach reduces the shock to the tree. It’s also best to leaf prune a tree in alternate years. New leaf growth returns, slightly smaller, with a fresh spring like color and beauty. Better fall color is your reward. Watch the hot summer breezes since new growth can be easily harmed. If you leaf prune almost all of the foliage you must treat the tree as you would during dormancy. Reduce the water and don’t feed until new growth ap­pears.

As temperatures rise, the need for proper watering is most important. Many factors enter into a decision on the frequency of watering. These factors depend upon the type of soil mix as well as exposure to the sunlight and wind. Different varieties of plant material require different watering plans. Study the conditions which best describe your bonsai growing area and the potted trees on benches. The overall objective is to keep your plants slightly damp, never wet and never dry. Remember - regular watering depletes the food supply - don't be stingy with your feeding program. We are too often criticized by professional growers, especially from Japan, for timidity when it comes to feeding. The soil mix, pot size and environmental exposure to wind and sun, affect watering. Just follow the ideals: water deeply; keep your bonsai damp, not wet and never dry.  Judge by the weather conditions. Daily routines might instead become patterns of early morning watering on alternate days, as needed.

If Pine grooming is taking place in May, care in removal of candles and needles is most important. Techniques shown by Japanese masters suggest the pruning of pine branches to form clusters of 6 to 10 needles at the end of each branch. Leave growing needles to improve the likelihood of new bud formation on the old wood and the formation of new side branching. New pine buds customarily grow around the sheath covers surrounding needle clusters. Take care not to damage these sheaths.

With the renewal of active growth in May and June, pay attention to the ugly predators, insects and fungus. Aphids multiply actively in warm weather. Fruit flies are attracted to the new young growth as the sugary sap flows. Continue programs of constant attention by the application of commercial insecticides and fungicides. Check the underside of leafy trees - a favorite hiding place for insect eggs and larvae growth. Spray to cover the upper and lower surfaces as well as the woody branches and trunk areas. While regularly scheduled spraying is the usual recommendation, it should be noted that too strong a chemical mixture often does more harm than good. Don't overdo. 

While emphasis is always on bugs and spores, attention should also be given to the accumulation of "trash" in pots and growing containers. Keep surfaces clean to discourage the harboring of unwanted tenants. Keep pulling aggressive weeds that seem to find a home in well-fed plants. Get them out before they become too much a part of your root ball.

May and June are the best time for the green growing activities of your trees. Enjoy them and live with them - they are really for your pleasure.

Marty Mann