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Article written by Andy Rutledge. Japanese black pine is a very strong and masculine tree for bonsai. One of the most important features of black pine bonsai is a strong and spreading surface root structure that conveys a stability and strength characteristic of the species. The best way to develop this spreading surface rootage (happo nebari) is to start just after the new seedlings have opened their first set of juvenile needles. Remove the entire root structure and treat the rootless shoots like cuttings. The new roots will emerge horizontally and will be easy to train into the proper form. Plant seeds at the end of winter to beginning of spring.
Take a seedling that looks like this. Notice the long taproot. Not conducive to a future bonsai. Right Diagram:
Keep the cut seedlings somewhat protected from too much direct sun until they root, but there is no need to cover or treat with too much care. Applying a fungicide will reduce loss to damping off. Do not allow the soil to dry out. In 1 or 2 months, roots will have formed and you may begin fertilizing.
Copyright © Written by Andy Rutledge.
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Left
Diagram: 
Cut
the roots off with a very sharp blade from where the green part on the
shoot ends. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant shoots
in individual 3" to 4" pots in a light granular potting medium.
Pure perlite is good as is small diameter grit mixed with akadama.