To pinch or not to pinch?

Dr.Bonsai

Dear Mark,

Repotting your juniper has invigorated a sleeping giant! Now that its tired, compacted soil has been replaced, your tree's roots have room to grow and spread, and the plant is responding with lush growth.

Since the tree has been lackluster in the past, it's important to allow it some some room for growth in order to replenish its reserves. So, we will confine our pinching to the crown area and tips of the branches, and ensure that the tree receives plenty of fertilizer.

New juniper growth can be identified by its lime green color and soft texture. Before the growth has hardened off it can be pinched, or "plucked" more accurately using the fingertips to remove the growing tips. The tip should be pulled away with the fingertips much as you might pluck a bit of lint from your sweater.

The purpose of pinching is twofold: First, it stops the lengthening of the growing tip, but it also promotes backbudding along the trees branches and trunk, which will rejuvenate those areas.

Fertilize your juniper with miracid (a Miracle-Gro product intended for acid loving plants of all kinds). Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season at approximately 1/2 the recommended concentration.

Also, periodic application of a balanced, organic fertilizer is important to maintain a flourishing soil microculture. This premium Japanese organic fertilizer contains a balance of bone meal to promote healthy roots.