Tyler Brooks
Pine candle pinching, or candling, is a pruning technique used to restrict the growth of pine trees and maintain their distinctive shape. The timing of when to pinch pine candles depends on the type of pine and the desired effect. Single-flush pines, such as Japanese White and Scots pines, can be pinched in early to mid-spring, before the needles have appeared or started to elongate. Multiple-flush pines, such as Japanese Black and Red pines, are more commonly decandled, which involves removing the entire candle in late spring or early summer/fall. The amount of candle pinched or snapped off also depends on the strength of the candle, with stronger candles typically being reduced by half to two-thirds, and weaker candles by up to one-third.
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What You'll Learn
Pinching pine candles promotes thicker growth
Pine trees form new growth each spring, with several upright-growing, bright green sprouts called "candles". These candles are the spring growth of the tree and are generally found growing in clusters with a dominant candle surrounded by secondary candles.
Candling is done in the spring, usually from April to May, when there is tender new growth, and gardeners can snap off candles with their fingers. It is important to note that candling should only be done in the spring and not at any other time of the year. When pinching or snapping off candles, it is recommended to remove about a third to half of each candle's growth.
Additionally, occasional winter or early spring pruning can also encourage thicker and fuller growth. It is important to sterilize pruning equipment with rubbing alcohol to kill any diseases, fungi, viruses, or bacteria that may be present.
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Timing of pinching affects where new buds form
The timing of candle pinching on a pine tree affects where new buds form. Pinching the candles before the new needles appear will cause new needles to form at the base of the candle. This technique is known as "breaking" or "pinching", and it involves taking part of the shoot off, usually with fingers, as the shoot is extending in early to mid-spring.
On the other hand, pinching the candles after the needles begin to appear and elongate will cause the buds that follow to form at the end of the new shoot. This technique is called "decandling", and it involves cutting off the entire pine candle in late spring, after the new needles have appeared.
It is important to note that the amount of candle pinched off depends on its strength, with stronger candles requiring more to be pinched off than weaker ones. Additionally, it is recommended to start pinching out the weaker areas of the tree first and finish with the strongest areas 2-3 weeks later.
Candle pinching is commonly performed on young pine trees to reduce their overall size while retaining their natural appearance. It is also used to create distinctive shapes in pine trees, such as the "cloud style" favoured in Japanese gardening.
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Pinching vs. decandling
Pine candles are the spring growth of the tree, generally found growing in clusters with a dominant candle surrounded by secondary candles. The dominant candle, if left in place, becomes a long straight branch, and the secondary candles grow into the side branches. Pine candles are selectively removed or reduced in size through a process called candling, which helps maintain the distinctive shape of the pine tree.
Pinching and decandling are two distinct techniques used in pine tree care, particularly for bonsai trees. Pinching involves the partial reduction of candles or shoots before the needles elongate. It is done by breaking off a portion of the candle with the fingers when the candles have extended and are just beginning to show needles. Pinching helps slow down the growth of the tree and reduce its vigour. It is suitable for single-flush pines, such as Japanese White, Lodgepole, and Shore pines, which have the energy to grow only once a year. Pinching these types of pines leaves some needles from the spring to grow that year.
On the other hand, decandling refers to the removal of fully developed shoots in the spring. It is typically done on multiple-flush pines, such as Japanese Black and Red pines, which have the energy to grow twice a year. Decandling involves cutting off the candles or shoots entirely, usually in late May to mid-June. This technique redirects the tree's energy from growing the main branch to producing shorter and denser secondary candles. Decandling is also used to control the thickness of the branches, preventing excess swelling.
The timing of pinching and decandling is crucial and depends on the type of pine tree and its growth characteristics. For pinching, it is ideal to do it when the candles are elongating but before the needles have fully emerged, as it can become challenging once the shoot hardens. Decandling, on the other hand, can be done even when the needles are coming out, as long as the pine is strong enough to withstand the process. The specific timing also varies based on geographical location, with northern regions decandling earlier than southern regions due to differences in growing seasons.
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Pinching techniques for different pines
Pinching is a technique used to balance the strength of the branches of a pine tree. It involves removing new growths, such as small branches, buds, or leaves, to shape the tree and encourage bud back. The aim is to make the branch setting denser and produce buds that face towards the interior of the tree. This technique is especially important for the interior parts of the lower branches, as they can weaken and disappear if not properly maintained. Therefore, it is necessary to vigilantly monitor the growth of the candles, which are the spring growth of the tree found at the branch tips.
For white pines, it is recommended to remove excess buds before the tree breaks dormancy and then allow it to grow, managing the new growth after it hardens off. When reducing the size of the candles, it is important to leave some needle pairs above the flowering buds to prevent the branch tips from dying off. Additionally, it is suggested to leave the pollen flowers to grow, as removing them may damage the needles of the candle. Once the protective sheath covering the new needles turns brown and begins to fall away, you can safely reduce the candles if needed.
For black pines, pinching the candles before the needles elongate can help slow down the growth of the tree. This involves breaking off a portion of the candle with your fingers, depending on their length. By pinching the longer candles, you can reduce the amount of food produced by the pine and control its growth.
The timing of pinching depends on the stage of development of the candles and the local climate. It is generally recommended to pinch the candles before the needles start to spread, during the first growth of spring, which is usually from the end of April to the end of May. However, it is important to check your pines daily as candles do not develop at the same time.
It is also crucial to consider the strength of the candles when pinching. Strong candles should be pinched the most, removing approximately two-thirds, while medium candles should be pinched by half, and weak candles by a third or not at all. Always start with the strongest candles and finish with the weakest. However, for the Black Pine of Japan and the Aleppo Pine, the average candles should be pinched first.
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How to pinch without damaging the tree
Pine trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, and with the right care, they can thrive and enhance your landscape. Pruning is an essential task for any gardener with pine trees, but it can be tricky to know how to pinch pine candles without causing damage. Here are some detailed instructions to help you confidently pinch your pine candles while keeping your tree healthy and happy:
Timing is Key:
The best time to start pine candle pinching is during the spring growth spurt, typically from April to May. This is when you will see prominent upright buds at the branch tips, also known as "candles." These candles are the tree's new growth, and by pinching them, you can control the shape and vigor of the tree.
Assess Your Tree:
Before you begin pinching, take a step back and assess the overall balance of your tree. If the candles are all similar in length, and the tree appears well-balanced, you may not need to prune at all. Only prune to balance the vigor of the tree and promote back budding and good needle mass.
Pinching Technique:
When you are ready to pinch, use your fingers to snap off the candles cleanly. Avoid using pruners or a knife, especially on young plants, as this can cut all the needles and create unsightly brown tips. Instead, gently break off a portion of the candle with your fingers, aiming to remove about a third to half of its length. The amount you break off will depend on the desired shape and the current length of the candles.
Protect the Pollen Flowers:
As you pinch, be mindful of the pollen flowers. Removing them can damage the needles of the candle. So, unless you intend to remove an entire candle, leave the pollen flowers to grow and focus your pinching on the candles themselves.
Aftercare:
Pine trees produce sticky sap, so be sure to protect your hands and arms when pruning. Alcohol or hand sanitizer can help remove sap from your skin, and a cotton ball or rag dipped in rubbing alcohol will remove it from clothing. Also, remember to sterilize your pruning equipment with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) to prevent the spread of diseases and bacteria.
By following these steps, you can effectively pinch your pine candles while ensuring the health and beauty of your tree. Happy gardening!
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