Attila

Hi Fish,

To summarize the point of your post,

If we give optimal amount of water, the needles will be longer.
If we give less than optimal amount water, but enough to keep the tree stress-free, then the needles will be shorter.

My first comment is that when water retention is applied, one has to consider the species very carefully. Some can take it. Others will lose their leaves if the soil dries out even for a short time. For some, it can cause instant death. So it would be extremely risky to keep the soil almost, but not quite dry.

Pines can go on being dry for some time, so retaining water can shorten the needles. But I imagine that walking the line between stress and well-being is extremely narrow. When one has many trees, it is extremely difficult to follow each individual one so closely. My suspicion is that very few of us has the time to do that.

Instead, I rather use other methods to shorten the needles: the timing and nature of candle pruning, needle plucking, and improved ramification. All the above can reduce needle lenght.

As far as watering goes, I am perfectly happy to keep my trees in vibrant health. Reducing internodes through withholding water is something I read in bonsai books, but in reality it never worked for me. I've easily achieved it through other methods, but not watering.

Nevertheless, I don't disagree with the premise that it can be done. It's just that it would be very impractical for me.