What a great start to the year our first demonstration was, full of interesting and timely information all delivered up in Andrew’s (www.edgebonsaistudio.com.au) friendly and amusing style.
Andrew brought several trees in various stages of development to illustrate seasonal and/ or developmental work.
To start, revisiting a tree from a previous demonstration
Andrew started with a figs. In Sydney, Ficus species can still be repotted and defoliated (only if the tree is in good health) in February as this allows time for the roots to regrow and stabilize and new leaves to harden off. Once the night’s get cooler it is too late.
Before and after- set up for the future
Andrew’s aim was to give this Port Jackson fig the best start for future development. The lowest branch was chosen as the first branch and the awkward second branch removed. The long straight apex was cut back to several small branches with good spacing. Andrew was confident that the tree would back bud vigorously and there would be lots of branch choices in the future.
Andrew then moved onto deciduous trees with a maple and a zelkova as examples, noting that defoliating these species is best done at the beginning of February as it gives time for the leaves to harden before the colder weather.
Defoliation increases ramification and induces a second flush of smaller leaves for autumn display. It also allows the structure to be checked and adjustments made. Again the tree must be in good health.
Below is Andrew’s article on defoliating maples.