This list first appeared in the GLBS newsletter in 1999. It probably was written by Rick McCarthy - ED

Th following is a list of some things to remember this time of the year:

• To increase rami. cation and decrease the size of the subsequent petioles on your deciduous trees, trim the new growth o. the tips of each shoot/branch, leaving no less then two leafs on each new shoot.
• Remove any unwanted sucker growth or growth in areas where it is not wanted. By doing this, all the plants energy can be directed to where you want it.
• Do not trim those areas you want to grow larger. A trick I have is to place a yellow ribbon on a branch that I am let ting grow. Th is way I am always remind ed of my initial styling decision.
• Wiring an entire branch is not always necessary when you can use guy wires to pull it down. Don't use guy wires attached to the pot of a recently repotted tree because you could pull the tree out of the soil.
• Inspect all your trees daily for insects. Insects can infest almost overnight. Although insects don't nor mally kill a tree, they can make it look ter rible if not controlled quickly. Note: A little Preventive maintenance is worth a pound of cure. Frequent vigorous spray ing of your trees’ foliage with water will help eliminate or reduce many infesta tions. I never spray insecticides unless it is a last resort. Spraying is bad for the environment, our trees, our health, and also kills the good insects. You will always have insects so practice good preventive measures. If you must spray be sure to protect yourself from expo sure and follow the written instructions.
• Inspect for fungal disease. Leaf spot, Black spot, Rust, Powdery Mildew, etc.. can strike at any time if the conditions are right. If your tree has had a history of fungal leaf problems, it is best to spray it with the proper fungicide as a preventive measure. Th ere are many types of fungal dis eases, so be certain to spray with the cor rect fungicide for the fungus you are treat ing. To help minimize fungal risks: a.) Don't let the foliage stay too wet, b.) Don't wet foliage often at night, and, c.) Locate your trees where they get good ventilation.
• For pines, pinch one half to one third of the candles to reduce the size of the needles and candle size. Pinch candles entirely if you want thicker budding in an area. Only pinch entire buds o. of select areas if tree is in perfect health. Di. erent types of pines have di. erent require ments, so be species specific.
• To get rid of spider mites, use a mitacide not an insecticide.
• Don't let your trees stay too wet. Bonsai do not like wet feet. A couple of tricks I have learned to control water is: a.) Cut little blocks out of 2"x4"s about 1", 2" 3", 4", long etc.. and stick under one side of pots to prop up for drainage (size of block is determined by length of pot). b.) Cover your pots with aluminum foil during pro longed rains. Note: Freshly repotted trees almost can't get too wet because drainage is so good for the first few months.
• Don't forget to rotate your trees exposure to the sun. A rule I use is 90^o a week for smaller trees and 180^o a week for larger.
• Don't fertilize repotted trees for at least one month, fertilize about every two weeks for young developing trees and every month for older trees. Cut fertilizer strength to one half of what is recom mended by the manufacturer. Use a vari ety of di. erent fertilizers. Organic fertiliz ers are best, they do not burn roots, but take the longest to see results. Trace elements provided by such things as "Superthrive" should be applied every several months (trees need trace elements for good health).
• Keep moss off of nebari (roots) because it can cause rot, disease, insect damage.