JAPANESE UMBRELLA PINE

Question

MY GARDEN CENTER JUST GOT IN A MAGNIFICENT SPECIMENT OF THIS PINE AND I FEEL I HAVE THE PERFECT PLACE FOR IT.IT’S AGAINST THE HOUSE AND IN FULL SUN,BUT MY QUESTION IS I LOVE THE
WAY IT LOOKS NOW @ AROUND 5 TO 6 FEET IN HEIGHT AND ALTHOUGHT ANOTHER FOOT OR SO WOULDN’T
HURT I’D PREFER TO KEEP IT @ THAT HEIGHT AND PRUNING WILL BE A NECESSITY. I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT’S DONE CORRECTLY AND IF YOU CAN OFFER SOME ADVISE IN THAT AREA IT WOULD BE MOST
APPRECIATED.I CAN BE REACHED AT MY HOME @ 516-277-1285 OR E-MAIL @ [e-mail].
RESPECTFULLY
JOHN B.FIORE

Answer 1

Though this conifer is slow growing, it will reach
25′ to 40′ tall and 15 to 20′ wide. You should consider this size when choosing your planting location.

Rich, moist acidic soils are best,
avoid difficult sites with sweeping winter winds and
full sun is required.

Though conifer trees like umbrella pines do not need pruning as much as broadleaf trees, they do benefit from some trimming, especially when they are young.
Cut lateral shoots that are competing with the central leader. Prune them flush to the ground or central leader where they derive. This type of pruning is often necessary with a young umbrella pine to train it to develop a strong, single trunk.
Trim back umbrella pine branches sparingly to thin out crowded areas or to control wayward branches or size. Ideally, you should prune new growth before the needles fully develop on the branch. Cut stems just above latent or undeveloped buds. If you prune mature growth, prune each stem back to a healthy, active branch.
This specimen may be a better choice for a small tree planting.

‘Jim Cross’ – Named in honor of the late Long Island nurseryman, this unusual form grows slowly and densely to 10′ tall after many years.