PaulH
Omono
I would graft for sure. The deadwood is so amazing it deserves great foliage too. Peter Tea has a good explanation for why he thinks all native junipers should be grafted.
Rudd’s Rocky Mountain #1
- Thread starter Ruddigger
- Start date
Ruddigger
Omono
I know he prefers to graft everything. For me native foliage is a major feature that I try to keep whenever possible.
Scriv
Mame
If a tree becomes leggy it’s usually a reflection of the roots, not the species in a new locale. Smaller particle size and a higher ratio of akadama should generate finer roots and therefore keep the foliage more compact.
It’s all subjective… but this particular tree, with its tortured trunk conveys not only age, but an intense struggle to survive. Big green, full, billowy masses contradict that story and aesthetic notion entirely. Peter grafts everything for a few reasons, but mostly because he has too many trees and too many clients to consistently wire everything every year.
Hartinez
Masterpiece
PT on his latest podcast with Jeremiah talked a lot about the scale as in size, with Native juniper foliage, beyond what you mentioned @Scriv. Itowigawa, kishu and the like stay looking nice for much longer. The scale thing seems over the top to me, especially on really big trees. A shohin, sure, I can understand the scale of the foliage being an issue but not on some of the massive native trees we can get ahold of here. I can't help but feel also, his biases lend themselves heavily to the Japanese aesthetic of shimpaku foliage.
More work for sure to keep native foliage looking good over time, but the story it tells and genuineness of the story, is what I like more.
More work for sure to keep native foliage looking good over time, but the story it tells and genuineness of the story, is what I like more.
Colorado
Masterpiece
I love me some native juniper foliage, but also wouldn’t blame anyone for grafting RMJ. It’s a frickin pain in the ass 
Love the pot and angle!
Love the pot and angle!
Ruddigger
Omono
I have 14 other yamadori junipers in my yard right now with native foliage. I’m gonna go ahead and graft this one. Lol.
Scriv
Mame
Sell me one
