Replanting an overly-pruned juniper in soil?

[yoru sanpo]

I went too far in pruning a juniper, removing maybe 80% of the foliage, then planted the tree in bonsai soil in a training pot. I then found out I probably pruned too much to support root growth. Should I replant the tree in regular soil until it grows back to a healthy amount?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Simple answer: no.

Because junipers need time to heal or they'll go belly up. If there's not much foliage, it doesn't need a lot of roots. For now, it's safer to leave it be.
We all make mistakes, don't worry too much about it. It will likely die but you can learn a lot from observing it happening. If it lives, it'll take a year and a bit to recover. So consider repotting it only when it's back to health.

 

[Shibui]

Removing foliage stresses the tree.
Replanting stresses the tree.
you have already put it under some stress. Why would it be good to add more?
Definitely leave it and provide the best care you can. Even though so many warn against removing too much foliage many junipers will cope and recover.
Just cross fingers and make it easy for the tree to grow back.

 

[sorce]

Missed the book thread.

Welcome to Crazy!

Water it more than you think you should.

Sorce

 

[yoru sanpo]

Thanks for the replies and advice. Good point about compounding the stress. I'll leave the tree as is and water it often.