How to prune japanese black pine 'kotobuki'

Decandling in early to midsummer (when new candles are fully extended but needles not yet open); needle-pulling and branch pruning in late autumn. In summer, cut all new candles to their base with scissors to trigger a second flush. In autumn, remove old needles, pull excess new needles (leaving 6–10 per shoot), and prune any unwanted back-branches to balance vigour across the tree.

Twice annually — decandling once in summer, needle work once in autumn. Japanese Black Pine 'Kotobuki' requires the classic two-stage bonsai technique: decandling in summer to force a second, shorter flush of needles, then needle-pulling and pruning in autumn to balance energy and open the canopy. This disciplined cycle builds refined ramification. Skip it and the tree grows coarse rapidly.

In summer, cut all new candles to their base with scissors to trigger a second flush. In autumn, remove old needles, pull excess new needles (leaving 6–10 per shoot), and prune any unwanted back-branches to balance vigour across the tree.