Hello bonsai enthusiasts! I received a kit as a present 2 years ago and was lucky enough to have one seed germinate successfully. The instructions say that when the tree is 3-4 inches high i must pinch off the growing tip to promote branch growth. The tree is just about 3.5 inches tall now. As with anyone's first successful seeding I'm a bit intimidated with this. Can anyone please give me a bit more detail about this part so that I feel more confident in doing this?

Easy.
bonsaitonight.com/2015/03/31/pinching-sp...ndles-on-black-pine/

But not THAT easy. Make sure you first check what pine species you have. Then, start researching that specific species about decandling, how to do it and when to do it. Seems to me you're pretty late - but it depends on a couple of things.

Auk wrote: But not THAT easy. Make sure you first check what pine species you have. Then, start researching that specific species about decandling, how to do it and when to do it..

Yes, not that easy.
Auk, I think the OP says a 2 years old JBP.
Yes, could really be too late, depending on how south they are.

Clicio wrote: Auk, I think the OP says a 2 years old JBP.

Ah... in the subject. Missed that

I didn't decandle my BP's the 2nd year. I think I waited till the 4th year. However, they are growing really slowly so for the OP it may be different.
As usual... an image may be useful.

Auk wrote: I didn't decandle my BP's the 2nd year. I think I waited till the 4th year.

Now let me kick myself and use the correct terminology.
I did NOT (fully) decandle them, ofcourse. I only removed some of the buds on top.

This is the current size of my bonsai after 2 years.

www.bonsaiempire.com/media/kunena/attach...A1-6512A9496EFE.jpeg

Auk wrote: But not THAT easy. Make sure you first check what pine species you have. Then, start researching that specific species about decandling, how to do it and when to do it. Seems to me you're pretty late - but it depends on a couple of things.

leosyx wrote: This is the current size of my bonsai after 2 years.

You mean this is the size of your seedling.
Do not touch it. Let it grow. Do not even think about pruning this.

Pines belong outdoors.