Bonsai Shape Perfection and Maintaining Miniature Size (Coniferous Plants)

After completing the first stage of shaping (when all unnecessary main and secondary branches are trimmed, and branches are fixed in the desired position with wire), attention should be given to perfecting the canopy and maintaining the miniature size. Pruning to maintain shape and size is necessary throughout the bonsai's life.
No seedling will achieve the desired shape after the first pruning and wire framework. It will always turn out that some branches will be insufficiently dense or some branches will not be the desired length. It is very difficult to determine in advance how long it will take for a seedling to achieve the "perfect" form. This depends on the plant's growth characteristics and the experience of the person working with it. Therefore, you will always have to wait patiently year after year for the plant’s development and act accordingly to achieve the desired results.
One of the most important elements in the plant’s growth characteristics is that some parts of the plant dominate the growth process and develop better. In nature, the plant spends very little energy on the development of the inner branches of the canopy; it focuses on distributing its main resources for growth in height and width. For bonsai, however, we need the seedling to develop evenly and maintain the desired shape of the canopy. Therefore, if we do not limit the dominance of growth in certain areas of the plant, the desired proportions, size, and shape will quickly be disrupted.

   It is impossible to resolve the problem with just one or two prunings. After some time, new growth will appear in certain parts of the tree, and pruning will need to be repeated.

 The growth rate of conifers is noticeably slower compared to deciduous trees, so the tasks to maintain their shape are done less frequently but require more attention.
Conifers differ significantly from each other in terms of needle shape, size, and growth habits. After pruning, different species will exhibit various characteristics. On some conifer trees, several buds will form simultaneously at the tip of the branch.

In such cases, it is necessary to remove a certain number of buds. Leave only 1-2 buds in areas of strong growth, 2-3 buds in areas of moderate growth, and allow all buds to develop freely in areas of weak growth.
To maintain the shape, shorten the grown branches using small pruning shears.

The "so-called bending method" can also be used.

On the branch where growth is to be limited, new growth is removed to about 3 cm. Using the index and thumb, pinch the end of the new shoot and then twist to "pinch off" two-thirds of the new growth.

How frequently should we perform shape-preserving pruning? 

Of course, it is essential to maintain the miniature size and refined shape of the plant, but at the same time, excessive “attention” should not harm the bonsai.
The bonsai is pruned regularly, but a certain balance must be maintained. After pruning, the plant develops new shoots, which helps renew its structure. The new shoots are also a sign of the plant's healthy development. However, we must also understand that every pruning is a form of “stress” for the plant and drains a considerable amount of its energy. Therefore, the plant should be given a period of growth to restore its energy for further development. When people see pictures of beautiful bonsai specimens, they may think that the bonsai looks like this year-round. In reality, bonsai exhibitions and photography occur when the plant is in perfect condition, but this condition is not permanent. Every bonsai must have a period of free growth, and during this time, its beautiful appearance temporarily fades.

Each species has its own pruning schedule and frequency. Some can be left untouched for 2-3 months, while others need to be pruned every 3-4 weeks. Slow-growing coniferous plants may only need pruning once a year.
Many specialists, after an initial strong pruning, may leave the seedling untouched for 2-3 years (or even longer), allowing it to grow freely. Free growth encourages the thickening of branches, trunks, and roots, leading to good development. During this period, the seedling is planted either in open ground or in a large container. After a certain time (when the seedling reaches the desired size), strong pruning is done again.
Understanding the exact duration to allow the tree free growth, how much to shorten branches, and how often to prune the bonsai in spring and summer is quite difficult and depends on the specific species. Even highly experienced specialists encounter these difficulties when working with an unknown species. Only thorough study of each tree’s characteristics allows us to properly guide the work on the bonsai.