Midoritsumi

Midoritsumi is a Japanese term that literally means "green picking". It is a technique of pruning fresh buds that have not yet developed leaves on pine trees, especially the Japanese Black Pine, Japanese Red Pine and Japanese White Pine. This technique is usually done in early spring to control the growth and shape of the branches and prevent unwanted wheel-like branches from forming. Midoritsumi helps to create a balanced and harmonious bonsai tree.