September Juniper Styling

[ForThemWhatCare]

Temps between 65-85 degrees and evening rain shows most days.

Can I do either initial styling on Junipers now or major split trunk/bending work now with minimal fear?

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I'm sure wiring is no problem, but splitting trunks and heavy pruning are probably best next year, early summer.


Others have opinions? I am not a "juniper guy", I only have 1 older juniper and 2 nursery pots.

 

[HorseloverFat]

I wait until a little colder for conifer wiring... Like I'm doing mine over the next week.. but temps Here have almost hit 50 overnight.

I'm ALSO not a 'juniper guy'....

@Shogun610 , @Japonicus and @Wires_Guy_wires are, though.. (just off the top of my head, there are MANY more)

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I would wait for them to be more or less dormant. The bark slip/peel from heavy bends is still something to watch out for.
But please don't take my advice as an absolute. I might own a dozen varieties of junipers, I'm still figuring out most things myself too.

 

[HorseloverFat]

I would wait for them to be more or less dormant. The bark slip/peel from heavy bends is still something to watch out for.

This is actually my reason for aiming at waiting until IN the 40's

I've......

....made mistakes.

 

[MSU JBoots]

I have been considering pruning and wiring a juniper as well but have pretty much settled on the spring. It doesn’t have a ton of foliage so I don’t want to ruin any winter hardiness it has.

 

[ForThemWhatCare]

I actually want to "fix" this Blue Rug Juniper that I've left alone now for 2 years.

I've never done a split and bend before and I need to practice. It also won't break my heart if it dies as the trunk is...boring

 

[HorseloverFat]

I actually want to "fix" this Blue Rug Juniper that I've left alone now for 2 years.

I've never done a split and bend before and I need to practice. It also won't break my heart if it dies as the trunk is...boring
View attachment 454900

The trunk is only 'boring' DEPENDING on the SIZE you are aiming for.

If you are thinking 20-24"... A little tilt and re"setting" of "front".. and you're good to go...

This WILL take much longer, though!

 

[ForThemWhatCare]

Same tree. Not really thickening but since it was one of my very first pickups to experiment with I've decided to keep it and keep adjusting it overtime.