Japanese red pine: when and how to prune

Japanese red pine: when to prune it?

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It does not need pruning, but its growth can be steered: in May–June, pinch the young shoots (the ‘candles’) when they have lengthened but the needles are still pressed against the shoot.

What else to prune in those months? May · June

Japanese red pine: how to prune it?

1. Break or cut off half to two thirds of each candle, with your fingers or a sharp knife; the tree stays more compact and dense.
2. Remove dead and damaged branches back to the trunk or a side branch.
3. If you want to show off the attractive bark, gradually remove the lowest branches.
4. Remove a double leader and leave one strong leader.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: May–June.
• Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in May–June can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Black pine
• Japanese black pine
• Japanese white pine
• Scots pine
• Stone pine
• Weymouth pine

Plant profile: Japanese red pine · Pruning calendar and basic rules