Best way forward - Juniper nana

[Mali84]

Hi everyone, new enthusiast hoping for advice in relation to a juniper I have taken ownership of.

Background - received this bonsai last autumn (zone 9a) Wasn’t looking too healthy in the extremely small pot it came in and had recently been cut. I repotted ( to the best of my ability) and sealed cuts. I also, did a small amount of wiring to establish somewhat of a shape. Again, I appreciate that this approach would likely not be the ideal approach (beginner mistakes!)

I have since allowed the tree to recover in an outdoor location with full sunlight, and have a regular watering and fertiliser pattern.

I have two questions :

1. What can I do to encourage back budding on the three branches that are extremely leggy?if this is unlikely to occur, suggestions for alternative action would be appreciated.

2. Should I remove all wiring and allow the tree to grow for the remainder of the season with no interference.

I welcome any constructive criticism as I am keen to learn and develop a healthy tree.

Many thanks.

 

[bwaynef]

1.) Backbuds are a function of growth. Get the tree growing strong and backbuds are likely. I'd recommend cleaning the tree of weak growth, growth hanging down, and unnecessary crotch growth. Then wire what's left into pads. That will maintain the tip growth which seems to really drive vigor, but also expose that vigorous growth to sunlight which will further invigorate it. Backbuds are just a matter of time at that point.

2.) The photos are small, but based on what I can make out, I'm not sure the wire is being used to best effect. Is it cutting in? If not, there isn't much reason to remove it. I'd love to see it better, but I'm inclined to suggest you use the wire that's there to impart more movement. Take the apex that's essentially the left branch, and turn the tree into more of an upright by bending and twisting it as you go. That

 

[Mali84]

1.) Backbuds are a function of growth. Get the tree growing strong and backbuds are likely. I'd recommend cleaning the tree of weak growth, growth hanging down, and unnecessary crotch growth. Then wire what's left into pads. That will maintain the tip growth which seems to really drive vigor, but also expose that vigorous growth to sunlight which will further invigorate it. Backbuds are just a matter of time at that point.

2.) The photos are small, but based on what I can make out, I'm not sure the wire is being used to best effect. Is it cutting in? If not, there isn't much reason to remove it. I'd love to see it better, but I'm inclined to suggest you use the wire that's there to impart more movement. Take the apex that's essentially the left branch, and turn the tree into more of an upright by bending and twisting it as you go. That

Thank you for the response and the image resources. I have removed growth from underside and branch crotches on the main two branches but have not yet cleaned the leggy ones I described, as I was unsure if that was advisable. Your comments have helped. The wiring has not yet started to cut into the branching but does appear to be close too. I had reader a larger image for ref.

Thanks again.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

If growth is enforcing your backbudding, I wouldn't cut anything as the backbuds will become your new future pads. Cutting stuff off for a plant that needs to be less leggy is kind of putting the cart before the horse.