---
title: Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) Bonsai Care
date: 2025-09-25
modified: "2026-07-11 08:57:29"
author: Roland
url: "https://vibel.be/en/bonsai-care/pinus-sylvestris-care"
language: "*"
category: Pines
tags: [pinus, single flush pines, scots pine]
---

# Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) Bonsai Care

## Spring Candle Pruning & Shortening

## MidSummer is Pine Time

Do keep in mind that the preferred time for major pruning work is **mid summer**.  In our time zone that is **July**.

## October Care

**October **is one of the rare time slots where the sap flow on two needle pines is low and the tree can be needle plucked.

 

## Care Guide

You can find an exquisite **care guide** for Scots Pines [in the resources section of bonsainut.com](https://www.bonsainut.com/resources/pinus-sylvestris-care-guide-version-2.52/). 
(Find the download link to the PDF in the upper right corner of the page)

 

### My personal keynotes:

- Spring: bud reducing
- Mid Summer: Pruning in July
- Early October: the only window for needle plucking (!)
- Age: Doug Gilbert at Dundreggan, UK: "Scots pine can live well over 500 (five hundred) years"