Recently repotted JBP has browning needles

[Dav4]

I personally don't have trees out on benches in March. Most of my club member also still keep their trees protected until the weather allows for them to be out. Repotted bonsai don't go out on benches here. I'm just stating my experience and what our club does to keep bonsai alive in our climate. Your climate is different. That is the only point I'm trying to make.

That's fine... do what works for you in your given locale. Here in SE MI., trees in my cold room start to grow in early March, and the trees over-wintered outside follow a few weeks later. I start re-pots as early as mid-late February as I have too many trees, but I also have the cold room where I can keep these recent re-pots from freezing. Still, if the forecast shows more than a few days with no freezing weather, the evergreens are out on the benches as natural, full sunshine, even in March, is way better than any artificial lighting set up I have. I just finished repotting a few Scots and JRP projects this past weekend. They've been out on the benches for about a month, and are there right now even though we've got a frost warning tonight, just like you. I've moved a few of my nicer deciduous trees under cover, but the rest will stay out... I'll probably wet down the leaves before bed if the wind ever lets up .

 

[Bonsaidoodle]

At this time, I would put it where it gets morning sun and water when the soil looks dry and not doing anything else.

Some branches seem to be getting worse. They continue to have saggy needles that brown and fall off when agitated (including two of last years buds)
Other branches (including a back bud and new growth off trunk from last year) seem to have recovered somewhat or at-least stabilized . The needles are stiff, strong attachment to branch and minimal amount of browning.

Should I remove branches that are declining or continue to wait it out and only monitor time in sun/moisture of soil? Or is it just a lost cause and only a matter of time?

 

[namnhi]

Some branches seem to be getting worse. They continue to have saggy needles that brown and fall off when agitated (including two of last years buds)
Other branches (including a back bud and new growth off trunk from last year) seem to have recovered somewhat or at-least stabilized . The needles are stiff, strong attachment to branch and minimal amount of browning.

Should I remove branches that are declining or continue to wait it out and only monitor time in sun/moisture of soil? Or is it just a lost cause and only a matter of time?

Sorry to hear that it has not improved. I think it is a lost cause but I would just leave everything alone and hope for the best. The chance is very slim though. I hope you have other trees in case this one didn't make it. This is a lifelong hobby have a few more to go out and enjoy the process. Don't beat yourself too much thinking you kill it. I have many that died when I already have them well over 15 years. It hurts but I have plenty more.

 

[Russ1]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this but sometimes it's not what you did this year but what happened to it last season only to show up now.. Could have been too wet for a long period or too dry, not the best soil, candle pruning too late too hard, etc, etc.