Lexi Webster
Austrian black pines are resilient trees that prefer well-drained soil. They are commonly used for bonsai. While they do not respond well to de-candling, you can still cut the candles to control their length. This is best done during the spring growing season. If you want thicker branches, you should avoid cutting the candles, as this will shorten the branches. If you are looking to create shorter internodes and needles, you should cut the candles in the middle of summer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to cut | During the summer, ideally in June or July |
| How to cut | Cut at the base of the candle |
| How to cut | Work from the weakest part of the tree to the strongest part |
| How to cut | Cut the candles on the bottom layer first, then wait 5-10 days |
| How to cut | Cut to about 2mm into this year's growth |
| How to cut | Cut stronger candles to a stub equal to 1.5x its width |
| How to cut | Pinch the candles during the spring growing season to control length |
| How to cut | Cut stronger candles to a stub equal to the width of the candle |
| How often to cut | Alternate years between candle cutting |
| How often to cut | Only do one major process a year |
| How often to cut | Cut in one phase or in multiple phases |
| How often to cut | Cut before new needles expand |
| How often to cut | Cut during winter dormancy |
| How often to cut | Cut when the end of the growing season has passed |
| How often to cut | Cut when the tree is transplanted |
| How often to cut | Cut when the tree is in its second year of growth |
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What You'll Learn
Pinching candles in spring to control length
Pinching candles in spring is a technique used to control the length of Austrian Black Pines. This method is distinct from the process of decandling, which involves the removal of fully developed shoots in spring. Pinching, on the other hand, refers to the partial reduction of candles before the needles elongate.
To pinch the candles, you can simply use your fingers to break off a portion of the candle once they begin to elongate. The amount you snap off depends on the desired length and the current length of the candles. It is important to note that candle pinching should be done with care, as removing too much foliage can impact the tree's vigour. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate years between candle cutting, allowing the candle to grow one year and then cutting it back the next.
Additionally, when pinching candles, it is crucial to start with the weakest branches first and work towards the strongest. This means beginning with the bottom branches and moving towards the top. By pinching the candles on the bottom layer first and waiting 5-10 days, you can help maintain the balance and health of the tree.
Pinching candles can be a useful technique for controlling the length of Austrian Black Pines and creating a more uniform appearance. It is important to consider the overall health of the tree and work towards your desired goals for its design and growth.
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Cut at the base of the candle
While Austrian Black Pines don't respond well to de-candling, there are techniques you can use to cut candles from your tree. Firstly, it's important to understand the growth cycle of your tree. Repotting for these European species is usually done in spring, so touching the roots after this season might be detrimental to the tree's health. If you have recently repotted your Austrian Black Pine, it's best to leave the candles alone and let the tree recover.
However, if you are looking to cut candles from your Austrian Black Pine, it is recommended to cut at the base of the candle. If you cut the candle higher than the base, the remaining part will dry up and use up the tree's energy, eventually needing to be cut again. Not cutting at the base will also prevent new buds from forming.
When cutting, work from the weakest part of the tree to the strongest. On a layered tree, the weakest branches are the bottom branches, and the strongest are the top branches. Cut the candles on the bottom layer first, then wait 5-10 days before moving up to the next layer.
If you are planning on creating thicker branches, you will not want to cut the candles, as this will shorten the branch. Instead, you can let the candle grow for a year, then cut it back, and repeat this process to allow the branch to grow healthy and strong.
Finally, the timing of your cut is important. If you cut the candles earlier in the year, new candles will have longer to grow and will be bigger and longer. If you cut the candles in the middle of summer, the new candles will have less time to grow and will be shorter when they mature.
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Cut from the weakest to the strongest branches
When cutting candles from Austrian Black Pines, it is important to work from the weakest to the strongest branches. This is because cutting the candles on weaker branches first will help balance the growth of the tree, encouraging growth on the stronger branches.
Start with the bottom branches, which are typically the weakest on a layered tree. Cut the candles on the bottom layer first, then wait 5-10 days before moving on to the next layer of branches. This gives the tree time to recover and promotes growth on the lower branches.
If you are working with a repotted Austrian Black Pine, it is important to be cautious. Repotting can be detrimental to the roots of these trees, so it is recommended to wait at least a year or two before cutting any candles. This gives the tree time to recover and build a strong root system. However, if the tree is pushing candles hard, some light pruning or thinning can be done to maintain the image of a mature tree.
When cutting the candles, make the cut at the base of the candle. Cutting higher than the base can prevent new buds from forming and will leave an unsightly dried-up half candle. Additionally, if you are planning on creating thicker branches, avoid cutting the candles as this will shorten the branch. Instead, alternate years, letting the candle grow one year and then cutting it back the next.
By following these steps and working from the weakest to the strongest branches, you can effectively cut candles from Austrian Black Pines while promoting balanced and vigorous growth.
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Cut in summer to create shorter internodes and needles
While Austrian Black Pines do not respond well to de-candling, you can still cut them in summer to create shorter internodes and needles. De-candling is the removal of new growth on Black/Red pines during the summer. This process can be stressful for the tree, and Austrian Black Pines tend not to grow new candles after de-candling.
If you want to create shorter internodes and needles, you can cut the candles in the summer. By doing so, the new candles will only have the rest of the summer and fall to grow, resulting in shorter internodes and needles. It is important to cut the candles at the base to prevent dried-up half-candles from forming and to encourage new bud growth.
To create shorter internodes and needles, you can also try pinching the candles during the spring growing season to control their length. This technique is similar to that used for White pines and can be applied to Austrian Black Pines.
Additionally, you can prune the candles of the lower, weaker branches early to encourage longer secondary candles, and prune the upper, stronger candles later to slow the growth of secondary candles. This method helps balance the tree's growth and makes the new growth even or shorter at the top of the tree. Pruning the candles back to the node will produce mature, typical wood with strong nodal responses at the base and tip of the candle the following season.
It is important to note that Austrian Pines are susceptible to various diseases and pests, so regular maintenance and care are essential.
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Avoid cutting if you want thicker branches
Austrian black pines are known for their susceptibility to fungal diseases and insect pests, so it is important to take care of them. They are also prey to wind damage, especially during winter when heavy snow can weigh down the branches.
If you are looking to create thicker branches on your Austrian black pine, avoid cutting the candles. Cutting the candles will shorten the branch. Instead, let the candles grow for a year, then cut them back the next year. This will allow the branch to grow healthy and strong.
In general, Austrian pines grow best in locations that receive full sun. They are also able to grow in many different types of soil, especially those that can be considered difficult, such as clay or sand. However, they thrive best in deep, moist soil that drains well.
When it comes to pruning, it is best to prune away dead or diseased branches as you spot them. For young trees, shake off heavy snow from the branches to reduce weight. Pruning can be done with sharp pruning shears or loppers for small branches, and a saw for larger branches. To remove larger branches at the trunk, make two cuts several inches away from the trunk, one on the bottom and one on the top, to remove the bulk of the branch. Then, cut the remaining stub closer to the trunk.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to cut candles from Austrian Black Pines is during the spring growing season.
You can cut the candles with a pair of shears, making sure to cut at the base of the candle.
Cutting candles from Austrian Black Pines can help to control the length of the candles and promote new growth at the base of the cut.
Yes, it is important to note that Austrian Black Pines may not respond well to cutting. They tend not to grow new candles after the cutting process, so it is recommended to pinch the candles instead of cutting them.
