Japanese Black Pine - Branch selection

[Hermes33]

I was working on this Japanese Black Pine and realize I have no clue what to do. I have 3 branches coming out of the same spot. As such, 1 or even 2 can’t be used as sacrifice branches as it will bulge. The left branch has already started to ramify and biforicate. The right is an enigma lol and the rear is super vigorous and way too long. Any help and suggestions greatly appreciated. I’m only a year in so please shame me.

 

[Hermes33]

for better view of extremely long back branch. Can’t upload video. It goes back and then up which is difficult to see in the images.

 

[SeanS]

If you plan to keep the trunkline you’ve already developed above the point where the 3 branches emerge, you’ll need to take off 2 of the branches.
The right branch is on the inside of the curve so wouldn’t be a good keeper.
The back branch is really just a shoot at this point.
The left branch as you said is already starting to resemble something so would be the logical choice.
The right and back would therefore need to go, if it were my tree.

 

[Shibui]

Agree that the right branch from inside the bend is not an option. Even though you've gone to all the trouble to wire it I think it should go.

Interesting what can be seen or not seen in internet pics. @SeanS sees the back branch as 'really just a shoot' but @Hermes33 states 'rear is vigorous and way too long' That's not visible in teh first lot of photos but I can see it in the second group. In any case, probably not a keeper either if the main trunk is to stay.
Always consider if any branch could possibly replace the current main trunk. Replacing the leader with a branch is one way to get better taper.
In this case I think the existing trunk looks good. Probably better than any of the first set of branches even though it only has slight taper so I'd probably keep the main trunk and remove right and back branch too.

Remember, always take internet advice with a grain of salt. We can't see the whole tree so always check that advice given fits with what's actually there before committing to chop.

 

[RODERLO]

This would be my branch selection for this tree.

 

[Hermes33]

Agree that the right branch from inside the bend is not an option. Even though you've gone to all the trouble to wire it I think it should go.

Interesting what can be seen or not seen in internet pics. @SeanS sees the back branch as 'really just a shoot' but @Hermes33 states 'rear is vigorous and way too long' That's not visible in teh first lot of photos but I can see it in the second group. In any case, probably not a keeper either if the main trunk is to stay.
Always consider if any branch could possibly replace the current main trunk. Replacing the leader with a branch is one way to get better taper.
In this case I think the existing trunk looks good. Probably better than any of the first set of branches even though it only has slight taper so I'd probably keep the main trunk and remove right and back branch too.

Remember, always take internet advice with a grain of salt. We can't see the whole tree so always check that advice given fits with what's actually there before committing to chop.

Thanks all! I knew what I have to do… just needed confirmation as it’s about 70% of the tree between those 2 branches. Is it too late to remove them both this year? Can I do ANYTHING with the 2 I’m chopping haha. Would it be better to air layer them rn?

 

[misfit11]

I would cut them now, but leave a stub. You can remove the rest in November. No reason to airlayer.

 

[Shibui]

It is possible to layer JBP but that takes time - probably 6 months, sometimes a full year. You could be moving forward with you tree if you just go the chop.
Ask whether the delay in improving the good tree is really worth waiting to get another ordinary JBP.

Never too late to prune JBP. Cutting now will redirect spring growth into the branches you want to develop and you'll be a year ahead.

 

[Hermes33]

Thanks all! I knew what I have to do… just needed confirmation as it’s about 70% of the tree between those 2 branches. Is it too late to remove them both this year? Can I do ANYTHING with the 2 I’m chopping haha. Would it be better to air layer them rn?

I do see some Japanese black pines with opposing branches and even a really long extended one with an initial pair. However this seems to be more for more formal upright squat type which this is not approaching and wouldn’t be for many years. The below looks like though it was not from the exact same spot.

 

[Hermes33]

Well I made the cuts next issue will be the selection at the second trunk bend. Can I have one back and one right and down? Or am I going to end up running into the same issue again in a year?

 

[SeanS]

Why did you leave such long stubs with buds/needles on the ends of them? Those buds and needles are going to start growing or producing buds. You need to remove the excess branches at the whorls entirely.

 

[Hermes33]

I’m going to Jin them I just did not have time yesterday. Same with the 2 small buds I left once they extend a tad.