Energy Balancing #5: Defoliation

This Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) has been partially defoliated. The first branch is too small relative to the rest of the tree, so the purpose of the defoliation is to speed up the development of the first branch while slowing down the development of the rest of the tree. This works because energy flow decreases in areas that have been defoliated. Conversely, because the energy from the roots has to go somewhere, energy flow increases where leaves are left on. The photos in this post are from Bonsai Today issue 103 (out of print). The article that the photos are … Continue reading Energy Balancing #5: Defoliation

Energy Balancing #3: Sacrifice Branches

Strengthening the apex The styling on this Juniper (we’d be guessing on species, so we won’t) is almost done (at least for now). The exception is the sacrifice branch on the top. The artist, Mr Toshinori Suzuki, has decided to leave it on to strengthen the tree’s apex.When he is satisfied with the apex, he’ll sacrifice the branch (no ceremonial drums, just sharp shears are required). Apical versus lateral dominance With apically dominant trees, energy tends to flow into the apex; however, most junipers (including this one) are laterally dominant (energy flows into lower lateral branches), so sometimes a little … Continue reading Energy Balancing #3: Sacrifice Branches