It's getting closer to spring, and I've got plenty of work ahead of me. I wanted too get some input on a few trees for future styling.

This juniper was acquired two years ago, from an older member of my community who didn't know what to do with it. It had a fairly flat top with many dead branches, which is the first photo. I've posted a brief query about before, because species &/or varietal is unknown. Definitely juniper.



I thinned and wired it, letting in more light and working the branches downward. It was repotted last spring. I'll take pictures this spring when it's out of winter bed.

Front.



Back



Let me know what you think. It's still sorta broom style. The branches are somewhat stiff, and it hasn't back-budded much. I'd like to bring the foliage closer to trunk. Still seems spindly with them so long.

Aaaand.... The photos showed up sideways.

To get backbudding, you will ned a strong growing plant. You did well with the opening of the canopy, I think. Going for a savanna style (pierneef) tree?

Note that not all juniper species do backbud.

leatherback wrote:

you will ned a strong growing plant.

It was severely pot-bound when I received it, and was repotted last spring (not shown in pictures). It should have a good growing season this year.

Going for a savanna style (pierneef) tree?

Eh, just using the material as it came to me. I don't like the branches as vertical as they are, hence why I'm slowly bringing them down. Preferably, I'd have the foliage closer to the trunk, and give a better illusion of a larger tree.

Note that not all juniper species do backbud.

I was told that might be the case with this particular material. Here's to wishful thinking.
I might go for a graft in some areas where I actually need it and see what happens. If successful, I'd go a bit further next year. Any more thoughts? Never grafted juniper, though I know the basics & seen it done on other juniper species.
Thanks for the advice!

maybe you can wire all the branches towards the same side and make a cool windswept juniper out of it..

i don't see this completely backbudding any time soon.. and some species of juniper don't backbud at all..

you'll have to work with what you got.. or completely graft now growth onto it..

Nice tree, I like the african shape,keep it going and send lots of pictures.

Indo wrote:

Nice tree, I like the african shape,keep it going and send lots of pictures.

agreed lots of pictures