I posted here in September about shaping black pines, well I finally got them and am waiting to put them in the ground. When I read in books and online it says to space them 10-20 feet apart. My question, can you plant them closer if you have the intentions to prune them and maintain their size or should you follow the 10-20 foot rule?

Are there any books that you might recommend that go into detail about the different styles of pruning. I cannot read Japanese (unfortunately) so something translated into english?

I'm such a novice compared to the knowledge you all have about these gardens. I appreciate your patience and understanding when you deal with us newbies.

Thanks for everything!