Please help.. any advice would be appreciated. We discovered that the neighbouring Laurel had tried to smother this poor little guy over the winter, and as a result it looks really lopsided. Any ideas as to how I can prune this to help even it out? The growth on the right side is vigorous and healthy. TIA! Cheers, Lulu
Rather than trying to prune the plant to change the way the shape develops, try using heavy bonsai wire (copper) to redirect and hold the branching for a season or possibly two . Use a spiral wrap and apply firm pressure to change the branch shape. Pruning won't really encourage growth in other areas of the plant (geographically speaking) anywhere near as well as redirection. You may find limits as to where the branches can thrive based on available light in this location.
'Sango kaku' Wire training will help but wire training with severe pruning back will achieve the results you really want and probably quicker. 'Sango's' are fairly strong growers of 1 to 2 feet per year. It takes roots a long time to catch up to foliage if ever but foliage will catch up to roots in one year or two years at most. This means your foliage volume will return very quickly after pruning and hopefully in the shape your want when combined with training.
