Urban yamadori: San Jose topiary, i think.

[Hbhaska]

I obtained two 3-tier topiary, 5-feet tall, this morning from a home in Poway, CA. They had already been pulled out of the ground and had plenty of roots surrounded by wet soil. The owner had apparently pulled them out two days ago. I hope they survive.
I believe they are San Jose junipers, plenty of juvenile foliage and some mature. Beautiful to say the least.

let me know if you have thoughts or suggestions. Warm regards.

 

[leatherback]

Well.. Chop them low. Keep only the lowest pad and see whether there is a tree in there?

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Well.. Chop them low. Keep only the lowest pad and see whether there is a tree in there?

Or, crazy tall bunjin?!?

 

[leatherback]

Or, crazy tall bunjin?!?

Do the trunks offer enough interest?

 

[MrFancyPlants]

The one on the right (2nd photo) would be interesting in my book.. maybe more of a curiosity than an award winner, but worth a thought even if it isn’t in the cards.

 

[Hbhaska]

Well.. Chop them low. Keep only the lowest pad and see whether there is a tree in there?

I want to air-layer and keep all of them if possible.

 

[Hbhaska]

Do the trunks offer enough interest?

The trunk is stunningly beautiful. Deep red/brown tinge on that thick trunk.

 

[Hbhaska]

For now, my main problem is keeping them alive. There are lots of inner bluish-green young foliage but the outer ones seem to be dying. I’ve been removing the dying foliage and misting the tree every day.

 

[leatherback]

make sure you do not overwater. Too much water is a bigger problem than drier rootballs. I find that pots hold way more water then we think, which you notice once a plant stops using it.

 

[Hbhaska]

make sure you do not overwater. Too much water is a bigger problem than drier rootballs. I find that pots hold way more water then we think, which you notice once a plant stops using it.

Thank you. I will make sure that I don’t overwater.

 

[Japonicus]

By all means, please do the white paper test. Getting itchy over here just looking at them.

From what is pictured, the 2nd pic, lowest tier (1/3) might have substance for bonsai.
Do you see anything from behind that tier that looks promising, or negatory?