Beginner juniper progression

[right_arugala_28]

Hi folks! I got this juniper some time ago and while I am a complete beginner I'm definitely trying to learn, experiment, and learn some more

I wanted to share some progress pics and ask for some feedback? Kind (as in kindness) but honest is just fine - I take it as an opportunity to learn and improve. I plan to leave it alone until spring, but what would you do / change next year? How would you continue to evolve this? What is one thing (out of hundreds I'm sure) I can improve on? That kind of feedback would be super helpful!

When I first got it


First pruning (this is my least successful attempt, I think)


Pruning to bring it back to shape


Most recent changes: pruned and wired. Tried to create some branching instead of one long stick. I liked how it looked here I think


Today, the last time I mess with it until next spring. I liked it better before, but it'll grow back

 

[bwaynef]

Its likely not what you want to hear, but the best thing for this tree's development long-term is to allow it to grow. If you'll keep the proportions roughly what they are, the trunk is straight for too long to be really interesting. That tells me that the tree needs to be significantly taller. If you want to keep the tree roughly this size, start to build your branches. You have clumps of foliage. You need to lay them out so there are pads. Pads are sustainable and organized. These clumps will lead to unsustainability and die-back, and eventually you'll HAVE to grow the tree bigger. I'd probably start thinking about adding deadwood to the trunk, but not in one fell swoop. BVF (member here, you'll come across him if you haven't already) mentions adding ovals that are later connected as he was taught by Kathy Shaner (I believe). Work on adding (perceived) movement w/ the deadwood. To spell it out a bit more, don't put it all in a straight line up the trunk.

That said, I'd recommend growing it out. Up-pot it by 50-75% and let it grow. Wire movement into the leader, give it all the sun you've got, and ample water & fertilizer. It'll look completely different by next fall and unrecognizable the year after.

 

[right_arugala_28]

Its likely not what you want to hear, but the best thing for this tree's development long-term is to allow it to grow. If you'll keep the proportions roughly what they are, the trunk is straight for too long to be really interesting. That tells me that the tree needs to be significantly taller. If you want to keep the tree roughly this size, start to build your branches. You have clumps of foliage. You need to lay them out so there are pads. Pads are sustainable and organized. These clumps will lead to unsustainability and die-back, and eventually you'll HAVE to grow the tree bigger. I'd probably start thinking about adding deadwood to the trunk, but not in one fell swoop. BVF (member here, you'll come across him if you haven't already) mentions adding ovals that are later connected as he was taught by Kathy Shaner (I believe). Work on adding (perceived) movement w/ the deadwood. To spell it out a bit more, don't put it all in a straight line up the trunk.

That said, I'd recommend growing it out. Up-pot it by 50-75% and let it grow. Wire movement into the leader, give it all the sun you've got, and ample water & fertilizer. It'll look completely different by next fall and unrecognizable the year after.

Thanks so much! And all good, I want to hear honest feedback (as is appropriate for my beginner level i.e. not overwhelming ) so this is helpful!

If you have good material you recommend for how to start creating pads I'd love to check it out - otherwise I'm sure I can find and (re)watch some videos on YT

Can I up-pot at any time of year (as in now) if I don't disturb the roots at all or should I just wait for spring?

 

[WinstonWolfe]

Can I up-pot at any time of year (as in now) if I don't disturb the roots at all or should I just wait for spring?

To be safe, I'd wait until early spring since you just did a significant cut back

 

[GSCarlson]

My juniper went from this:



To this, in one growth season, after planting in a much bigger pot

 

[bwaynef]

Here's more info on pad formation/development & wiring.