Spruce & Pine Styling: SBBK Notes 7/26/23

Spruce styling

  • Prune back, closer to the trunk for a tall, slender, ancient tree—back to a present bud. Do not just cut back or no new growth.

  • Encourage short internode, ramification closer to the trunk

Pine styling

  • Does not back bud much, so leggy branches are a challenge.

  • If inner buds are closer to the trunk, can prune back to a bud for bifurcation and closer pad.

  • Very low branches are not very workable and not effective sacrificial branch for trunk development. May result in a bulge more than trunk taper.

  • Allowing for sacrificial branches up the trunk or at the apex will add taper to the trunk.

  • Upward directed branches are more inclined to pump more growth.

  • Best to develop lower branch diameter by letting it grow long, then trim back. Balance apical/ top growth with more reduction or reduced foilage to pump energy to the lower branches.

  • After decandling do not fertilize for a month, unless you want new growth.

Below are images of the Style-Off and Show & Tell.

educationMichael Weihorticulture, styling, sbbk