JAPANESE PRUNING TECHNIQUES

KARIKOMI The shrub, quite o en a rhododendron, is clipped so the top is round and the sides go straight to the ground. O’karikomi is a similar shape, but is made from several plants. Use garden shears.

TAMAMONO Small trees are clipped into several individual semi-spherical shapes to resemble rocks or a billow of clouds. They are symmetrical and, ideally, the widest part of the sphere slopes to the ground. Use hand snips.

NIWAKI Also known as cloud pruning, this long-term project shapes a small evergreen tree into a shape that suits your garden. Regularly remove branch offshoots that will make foliage too dense or not suit the shape. Use pruners.