Developing Trident Branch Structure

[one_bonsai]

When developing Trident branch structure, should you fertilize in spring? Or is that just going to create long internode?

[shibui]

Fert will usually give longer internodes but be careful when withholding fert. Trees can quickly starve in small pots and frequent watering if not fed.
Low N fert and reduced rates might be safer.
You can also prune off any long internode early spring growth after the growth settles down. Later growth usually has smaller internodes.
I have also noted that smaller shoots growing close to a strong one usually have really compact internodes so I often leave a strong sacrifice branch just above a branch I intend to keep. Prune the strong one later in the season when you have a good start on the keeper.

[one_bonsai]

Thanks, I'll try that.