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I don't think the tree is sick? Do you?

It sounds like you may not be pinching it right. The growing tip of spruce and cedar can be pinched out while it is still lime green and succulent. If you pinch too soon, it will tear, if you pinch too late the whole bud will come off. Usually this means you'd want to pinch about the time the bud elongates to the size of cuff button or a large bean.

You can prune at most any time back to buds that are growing in the direction you want new growth to appear, but be careful not to cut the needles. Most conifers (juniper, spruce, cedar, many pines) will turn brown if you cut through the needles.

If you're doing that all correctly, then do try moving it out of full sun after you have pinced it back and see if it makes any difference.

Regards,

Matt

29-Aug-2002	#2
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,745	I don't think the tree is sick? Do you? It sounds like you may not be pinching it right. The growing tip of spruce and cedar can be pinched out while it is still lime green and succulent. If you pinch too soon, it will tear, if you pinch too late the whole bud will come off. Usually this means you'd want to pinch about the time the bud elongates to the size of cuff button or a large bean. You can prune at most any time back to buds that are growing in the direction you want new growth to appear, but be careful not to cut the needles. Most conifers (juniper, spruce, cedar, many pines) will turn brown if you cut through the needles. If you're doing that all correctly, then do try moving it out of full sun after you have pinced it back and see if it makes any difference. Regards, Matt __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!