Page 118 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

Chapter 16 Maintenance Pruning 2-

Pinching Out Deciduous Bonsai

Pinching Out Developing Buds on Broad-Leaved Species to
Aid Refinement

To increase refinement on bonsai that have their basic trunk and branch
structure established, a technique called 'pinching out' can be used. With this
technique, new growth within the vigorous areas of the tree is either partially or
completely removed before it extends. After pinching out the apical growth,
vigour is displaced more evenly amongst the branches of the tree. This technique
encourages growth nearer the trunk and towards the lower branches.
Bud-pinching out is an important technique for keeping your established
bonsai in shape. Spring growth is especially vigorous particularly around the

apical areas of a tree. Apical buds that are allowed to extend uninterrupted tend
to have long internodes and deprive other areas of the tree of energy. By
removing them, energy is not wasted on unnecessary growth that would
otherwise need to be removed in the coming weeks. It also displaces energy
towards the inner and lower branches and encourages back-budding.
Pinching Out an Acer palmatum in Spring
The following series of pictures illustrates the first pinching out of an Acer
Palmatum in Spring. This basic process will be repeated throughout the season
on the most vigorous areas of the tree.
It should be noted that this tree is in the final stages of development and
requires increased ramification of its branches. There are occasions where it is

necessary to allow growth to extend on trees before pruning; this is discussed in
a separate part of this article.