Opinions on front?

[Myrki]

Hello. I shared this tree previously and have since done a little work. I picked a front but wanted to get opinions. I like this side of the lower trunk view and deadwood contrast. And trying to decide on the apex as it currently is turned back and downward some.
The view with the pot more longwise left to right (first photo) is the front I think I chose

 

[SFDrake]

I definitely think you should stay with the first front. The second photo puts a straight section in the trunk and draws all of your attention to the right side of the tree. Also i would shorten up that apex a bit. Looks great to me, nice little project!

 

[Kodama]

Cool! I agree with your chosen front. Can you share another pic at trunk/soil level? I guess that depends on what you consider the proper viewing height.

 

[Myrki]

Thank u both. Yes I’ll share some more photos down low, I did hold the phone down somewhat to my standing level to try to assume viewing angel but it does sit on the bench lower than my eyes. I know a lot of the branches need development and refining but trying to at least lay it out where I picture now. The apex is pretty full and is my biggest question mark, so I’m glad u gave some advice regarding thinning it out.

 

[Shibui]

The second photo seems to show the inverse taper because the trunk swells around that lower dead wood. Always difficult to tell but the larger 1st branch also appears to grow forward in that option?
The first option hides that inverse taper and puts the 1st branch toward the side more. Maybe also toward the rear? I suspect the apex goes backward in this option but I'd be confident that could be rectified with some judicious bends.

 

[Myrki]

The second photo seems to show the inverse taper because the trunk swells around that lower dead wood. Always difficult to tell but the larger 1st branch also appears to grow forward in that option?
The first option hides that inverse taper and puts the 1st branch toward the side more. Maybe also toward the rear? I suspect the apex goes backward in this option but I'd be confident that could be rectified with some judicious bends.

You are spot on, and regarding the apex that is exactly right and the main area I want to fix first, it does bend more towards the back and I’ve been wondering what to do with that. Is bringing the tip of the apex branch just to the left good style wise? That is an easy bend in that case.

 

[Ruddigger]

I don’t worry about inverse taper on junipers, that’s what shari is for. I’d like the see the other side of the first pic.

 

[Myrki]

I don’t worry about inverse taper on junipers, that’s what shari is for. I’d like the see the other side of the first pic.

The other side I’m hiding purposely as the bottom of the trunk is gnarly from a trunk chop from previous owner. It’s an eye sore that would take more work than using the front I chose, not to mention I do like this front, now I just have to sort out the Apex

 

[Ruddigger]

That isn't much of an issue on a juniper either. The issue I do see is that right now your first branch is a back branch, which isn't ideal. So with your current front I’d remove that. The trunk also elbows right into the viewers face, which is an issue too.

 

[Myrki]

That isn't much of an issue on a juniper either. The issue I do see is that right now your first branch is a back branch, which isn't ideal. So with your current front I’d remove that. The trunk also elbows right into the viewers face, which is an issue too.

I understand with the first branch being a back branch, thank u and noted! As for it bending into the viewers face I also recognize that. I’ll see about keeping the front but just turning it slightly so the bend is slightly more to the left OR I wonder if pulling the apex down more over the bend will rectify the protruding bend

 

[Myrki]

I did a little bending today. I realize there is a lot of growth and tuning to be had throughout its life but I’m trying to at least get the branches in place and then let it grow. The hardest part is deciding is this branch placed well and picturing how I imagine the tree being. It may be hard to tell but I did pull the apex forward so it’s not back behind the trunk line anymore. I don’t know what do you think?

 

[Myrki]

Ugh now after reviewing before and after I still like the initial lower branch placement… ie lowerst facing back, but I don’t know lol ugh! Maybe I just need to adjust/bend it a bit until I like the look of the right branch still being lowest but keep experimenting with bends

 

[Myrki]

lol bonsai drives me crazy. I go look in person again and I like placement. I feel like the photos look off compared to in person. And I suppose in person is most important

 

[Ruddigger]

Dont bend it anymore until you learn how to apply wire properly. I’m not trying to insult you, learning proper wiring takes time, but you’re probably going to break something trying to bend it with what you have on there now.

 

[WavyGaby]

Pics sometimes dont do justice. Try getting a flatter view at the tree. Right now, it looks like you are still pointing the camera phone down at the tree. Try to get it level towards the horizon.

I cant tell but it looks like you have redundant branches on the low left. Can you jin the big one? Also, I would compress the top more by bringing the apex down and using multiple branches at the top rather than a long neck.

 

[Myrki]

Dont bend it anymore until you learn how to apply wire properly. I’m not trying to insult you, learning proper wiring takes time, but you’re probably going to break something trying to bend it with what you have on there now.

I hear you. I unwrapped it today so I could remove the rubber/self adhesive tape I had on it from last years heavy bends so I tried rewrapping the wire back around it today and yes nearest the trunk is not wired well but on the branch going out towards the tip it’s wired more proper. I am not doing any bending where the wire has large gaps. Nonetheless I know it’s not prettiest

 

[Myrki]

Alright I’m going to keep it like this and let it grow now and just worry about downward growth etc to make sure it is good and healthy, let some of the branches under the apex to grow out some and fill out etc. I know it’s a work in progress and I appreciate all the previous comments and tips