Most bonsai have their strongest growth in the spring. By now the pines should have had their candles reduced. New growth on spruce should have been pruned at least once. Continue to prune as necessary. On your deciduous trees cut twigs back to two leaves to develop the desired ramifications.

All conifers enjoy full sun and thrive in the wind as long as they are secure on the bench and are watered regularly. However, deciduous trees (especially maples) need some protection not only from the wind but especially from the full strength of the late afternoon sun. Even tridents, amurs, and rubrum maples need some later afternoon protection. Palmatum maples should be in the shade almost all day – not a dense shade, but in a strong light.

FINE WIRING

Continue fine wiring on all needled trees. Find a cool spot this summer and fine wire all your junipers and pines.

WATERING

In general more frequent watering is needed when the weather is very warm since considerable water is lost through transpiration. Each bonsai has its own watering needs – which depends on the species, local environment, size, soil type, and the size of the container. Although there is no simple rule for watering your trees you might try the following – start by watering each tree daily. If the soil is continually damp then water that tree less frequently. Observe the soil, use common sense. Do not water recently repotted trees if the soil is wet. Wait until the soil starts to dry (which indicates the root system is active and has recovered from root pruning). The great bonus of using a very porous soil is that it is almost impossible to over water since any excess water just filters through the soil.

INSECTS

Aphids love the tender new growth of your trees. Red spider mites can be devastating to junipers and Alberta spruce. Malathion, a soap solution, or a strong blast of water will rid the plants of these pests. A strong blast of water is also a strong deterrent. Read all warnings on insecticides and fungicides and follow instructions—use caution.

POINT TO PONDER I went into a bookstore and asked the salesperson "Where’s the self help section?" She said if she told me it would defeat the purpose.