After a number of years working with cork oak bonsai, it’s become really clear that for the lower branches to thicken, the top needs regular trimming. This photo from earlier this week makes it clear where the tree wants to produce new growth.
Cork oak with new growth on the upper branches
Fortunately, if the lower branches are left to run and the upper branches are prevented from gaining too much vigor, the lower branches can develop quickly. Here’s what this work looks like.
After pruning and wiring – 28″
Most of the lower branches will be shortened by about half once they reach the desired thickness in another year or two. From there, I’ll be able to develop the secondary branches all over the tree. In the meantime, I’ll periodically trim the upper branches while letting the lower branches grow freely.