drastic cut on JWP grafted to BP stock needed. timing opinions

[Jason_mazzy]

I have to make a drastic cut on a jwp 60-70 percent of the tree. It is one of those common trying to force a cascade imported JWP's we all see. The top back has potential to create a strong tree. The main trunk/arm/branch is a good inch+ thick maybe 2 inch and is far to large to salvage as a main first branch. There will be no taper or reverse taper if I don't start cutting and building now.

usually I would say wait right when spring starts to facilitate quicker healing BUT I was thinking If I do it still in winter the tree would recover quicker in the spring pushing all energy to the branches available.

Your opinions and guidance humbly requested.

 

[JudyB]

Not that I'm an expert, but I've done reductions on grafted JWP in the winter. None of this magnitude, but pruning away lots of overgrowth to force budding. Been successful on both trees I have.
I would say to do it now, but do it in sections or phases. Not all at once, I don't think it would respond too well to that unless it is super strong...
Better wait and see if someone else has better advice.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

as in several sections spanning over a year? or one chop per year?

 

[october]

One chop each growing season. Styling comes after. If it were my tree, I would do the first chop in Late winter. Then, next winter, do the second chop. At which point you can also style. There is another option. Chop late this winter. Then, make the next chop late the following Fall. This will allow for an 8-9 month time lapse. Then style the following Spring.

I did this sort of work on my pine. Here is the work. The first link is the initial work. The second link is the update.

Rob

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?10679-Shohin-white-pine-work&highlight=shohin+white+pine

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?11433-Shohin-doing-well

 

[Jason_mazzy]

bump as my chopping finger is itching.