Hey gang, been away from the forum for awhile, but just wanted to update this thread.

Unfortunately, this amazing little tree has died.  And it is completely my fault.  I pushed it too hard.  By pruning so aggressively I did get smaller needles, but I also weakened the tree too much, then put it into a bonsai pot before it was ready, weakening it further.  In it's weakened state it got infested with aphids, which I think was the straw that broke the camels back and it gave up.

So, anyone who has found this thread, don't be as aggressive with pruning ponderosas, learn from my mistakes.

- bob

Thanks Chris, I still have 3 more ponderosas from my trip up to Oregon Bonsai.  The others are doing well, as I had not been so aggressive with them.

I've taken 1 of them to 2 workshops with Ryan Neal.  His advice on them is to not try to do ANY decandeling or other techniques to produce back-budding.  Just keep them growing strongly, and they will bud where they want to bud on their own.  When you have enough growth then they can be cut back.  So it is sort of the opposite of JBP.

- bob

Ryan did not recommend removing any candles at all - until the point when the branch has enough growth closer in, then you remove the longer growth further out.  It seems very counter intuitive, but that is what he says works best.  I have not had more than half a year to follow his advice, so I can't tell you by any first hand experience how it works.

I have been re-wiring my PPs about twice a year, but have not noticed any significant wire scars, so you could probably leave the wire on longer.  It really depends on how strongly they are growing.

- bob'

Not pinching the strongest candles does seem a bit counterintuitive, but if that what Ryan said, I'll too follow his advice..  Thanks Bob!

Yes, I remember reading that John, something along I believe the Fall Ponderosa Technique.   Good for only one try.  Strange though,  this year, with no fall work done at all other than wiring, I'm having quite a bit of new backbuds.  Either way, it looks like PP's are not ones that you're going to be able to compact the tree much by growing, cutting back to the closest bud site to the trunk, cut, and regrow. 

I'll just keep a close eye on my wiring.  I still have a tendency to wire on too tightly...it cost me a limb about 3 wks ago on a Mugo I wired over the winter.  Took off the wire and I basically made a tourniquet out of wire.  Though I'm much better at laying it down at 45 degrees and not overlapping wires.  It's harder for me at this time getting it on to allow some growth, but not too loose either.

Chris

It is my understanding that long needles are a result of over watering not heavy fertilization. Although holding back on fert for a month after you finish your candle work in June , if you watch your watering and keep it at a minimum you'll find that your needles are slower to extend.
Qualicum Brian