Cloud Pruning

Beginning to Prune to Create
 a Cloud Pruned Pine

Cloud pruning is a Japanese method of training trees and shrubs into shapes resembling clouds. It is known as 'Niwaki', the translation of which is 'garden tree'. Some people call them “garden bonsai” but they are different from bonsai in that the roots are not pruned. Another difference would be that “Niwaki” are in the ground and “Bonsai” are in containers. Cloud pruned trees are not limited in their vegetative growth by this root pruning and as such will make beautiful specimen  or accent plant in almost any garden.

True “Cloud Pruning” is different from the Topiary Boxwood that are shaped to be Pom Poms  (we have those too) or into animals. 

Studying the Plant to "See"
What it Will Become

With cloud pruning the natural shape of the plant is worked with to create a sense of balance and grace resembling clouds. While this might sound relatively easy it takes a trained eye to highlight the underlying form of the tree or shrub being worked on.

Cloud Pruned Dragon's Eye Pine

We have a limited collection of Cloud Pruned plants ready to go and be the focal point in your client’s garden. When covered with a light snow the different levels on a cloud pruned tree will be accentuated bringing an added depth to its year round enjoyment.

We also have others that have been started (and even some we plan to start) that you can add your own artistic touch to.

Mature Cloud Pruned Pine
at Portland Japanese Gardens

If the desired effect is that of dense clouds, it will require a lot of patience and many years of work.

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Be Kind to Your Children for They Will Prune Your Topiary

...or choose your retirement home.

.... You may be lucky enough to have the finances to pay a professional gardener, but more often than not you will be relying on the goodwill of your descendants. So be kind to your children now and let them understand your passion for pruning your shrubs into living artworks. Show them how much your garden means to you and teach them all you know.  From h2g2, Feb 22 2010