Hello, I’m an “advanced” beginner having started almost 2 years ago and overall going very well. I do however need some advice on a tree type I’ve never worked much with before. This is a coast redwood seedling (Sequoia sempervirens) I got about a year and a half ago when it was barely 1/4 it’s current size. It went a little nuts on me last year and grew really well but is now very leggy and out of control. The cap added as a size reference. I’m not even sure how to approach this and how would be best to prune based on its age and size. Any links to possible other threads or videos that would apply in this case would be appreciated or direct advice here welcomed as well. Thank you.

No one?

What style are you aming for?

I would have giving the lower trunk wire, to make some movement in it, then let it grow longer and ticker, before cutting it back, then grow new top/leader for taper, and then repeat this again.

Thanks for the reply. I should have mentioned the style I’m aiming for. Sorry about that. Formal upright. I like formal upright redwoods. Clearly it’s gotten leggy in the branches just not sure how far back I should trim, whether snipping the top as well makes sense or when it’s best to prune for redwoods.

Example attached of ideally where I’d like to go with this.

not wanting to crush your dreams but you know the example you showed did not start life as a sapling in a pot? It was grown by mother nature to size.

You will need a few decades to get there.

Yes, I know the example is not the same as where can go but that’s to show the style in terms of branching and overall taper of the trunk I’d like to pursue.

I do think that formal upright is the right way to go for this species. Bonsai is about creating a miniature of a natural tree and that is how they look in nature. Not many trees in nature grows as weather tortured mountain pines but still that is what most people aim at for all species.

rich815 wrote: Yes, I know the example is not the same as where can go but that’s to show the style in terms of branching and overall taper of the trunk I’d like to pursue.

Your branches are already way to far spaced from each other. For a style, follow the tree, not what you have in mind for it.

Ok, understood. So with what you see of mine would you agree it needs pruning? And if so what approach and where to prune might you recommend at this point?

Backbudding is a hottly debated topic latelly at this forum.. But could serve your purpouse.

I have no experience on the species. But a Quick googling gave me this that might or might not help you:

"In the first stages of styling, branches should be left longer to promote branch thickening and woody growth. After your branches are thick and have a little secondary growth, it is time to cut back to smaller "leaves" and begin the pinching process. Older, longer needled secondary branches should be removed, and will promptly be replaced by smaller needled new buds. After these have grown out an inch or two, they can be pinched by simply pulling on the last 1/4", it will break in just the right spot. After this, there should be even more backbudding which will increase ramification. During this entire time, the tree will be putting out new growth all over the trunk, which should be removed as soon as it is noticed, to direct growth where you want it."

www.bonsainut.com/threads/general-inform...edwood-pruning.5414/