Mature Juniper (?) Blocking My Driveway

[Polyester]

Hi. I have what I think is a mature juniper that is blocking the view of cross-traffic from my driveway. Instead of cutting it down, I'd like to shape it. Any tips for shaping a mature tree and having it look okay, instead of just topped?

 

[TimberLakers]

Figure out what height you want, look for an upward growing branch in that area, make a slanted cut on the side away from the viewer.

Nice tree!

 

[Srt8madness]

That looks more like a Hinoki Cypress. Juniper is the plants to the left. There are probably some decent bonsai prospects on that bunch, if they're old.

If it has enough inner foliage, you could "top" the tree, then prune the now top branches in closer to the trunk to make more of a tree shape.

 

[Polyester]

Fantastic! Thanks for the responses. I'll post an after picture

 

[Michael P]

Why not just remove lower limbs until the view is clear?

 

[Polyester]

That’s the plan. But I don’t want it to look like a hack and wanted to consult some experts.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Interested in seeing what you do with this.
You could also relocate it, if you have a spot for it.

 

[Polyester]

I think the roots with the actual juniper next to it would be commingled. Hard to move, I’m guessing.

 

[Tieball]

Looks like a natural for a slant cut right about here…….

 

[Underdog]

Niwaki - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[BrightsideB]

I think it’d be better removed and relocated.
It will just look like a shrub when you have a beautiful tree already that has been growing for a long time. It will continue to add value to the landscape the more it grows. I’ve relocated tree’s larger at the arboretum I volunteered at. It’s really not a big deal with a few people. Consult someone local who has experience and can help if you choose to relocate it. An arboretum will have resources.

 

[Tieball]

I would chop it and treat it as an in-ground bonsai tree. A few well placed rocks will help set the scene. And keeping the juniper next to it properly trimmed will provide a good focus to the in-ground bonsai focal point.

 

[hemmy]

Any tips for shaping a mature tree and having it look okay, instead of just topped?

Krumholtz Form

Image of the Week: Krummholz Tree Growth

Stunted trees growing in the subarctic and subalpine regions display deformations called Krummholz growth.

www.visionlearning.com

Or Snag style

A Wildlife Tree Snag Gets Made—

Our friend Brian French is a wildlife arborist specializing in habitat creation. He’s also the State Coordinator for the Oregon Champion Tree Registry. And he came out to create a full-sized …

crataegus.com

Or more maybe alpine but only keep the upper most smallest, branches!

 

[Tieball]

I think there are lots of interesting options, a variety of curb appealing detail to distinguish your style. Here’s an example that clears the sight line for the street and also presents an excellent conversational design. While not identical this demonstrates possibilities. Yours would just be….larger and absolutely interesting.

 

[Tieball]

An interesting transformation. Left in the ground to grow where it is now. Chopping up higher and showcasing what you have.

 

[Polyester]

This last post is exactly what I was thinking! Now onto the execution

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[BrightsideB]

This last post is exactly what I was thinking! Now onto the execution

Thanks for all the feedback.

Are you going to keep the thread updated. Interested in how this will look.

 

[Tieball]

You can make this happen. Makes me wish I had a full size healthy Arborvitae tree to work with.

 

[Polyester]

I plan to.