AusBonsai

Just a simple question that I havent been able to find a good answer to. When, as in what season , is it best to start carving a shari on shimpaku? I have read that you can do it twice a year but I am still a little confussed on when it is best to do so?

I guess that would depend on the development of the tree in question. If it is a starter tree then, not now. But a picture could help. It can be started once the tree has a little development and if the trunk is substantial then, carve away. Spring and Summer when the tree is at an optimum in health and growing, and also, healing well, is when i would tackle it.

You can make shari any time of the year but it is easier through the growing season. That is when the bark slips (peels off the wood easy). If you try in winter the bark is stuck tight to the wood and is much harder to remove cleanly. Bruising the bark with pliers can help to remove uncooperative bark but can only be used on accessible sections of branch/ trunk.

In one of Lindsay Farr's WoB vids, there is a bloke who says you can start working them when they are pretty young. The tree he has is approx 5 years old but he does say it takes time and needs really really small cuts to start. Its on Episode 2 of Series 2

http://bonsaifarm.tv/wob-series-2/wob2-2/