New Juniper...

[buddhamonk]

Here's an update...I cleaned up the foliage, selected the main branches, picked a front and cleaned up the deadwood

some questions:

1) layer or not layer the opposite branch... I'm itching to get rid of it. Any value in layering it? How hard is it on RMJ? How long would it take on a Yamadori?

2) As you can tell from the trunk pictures - underneath what I thought was live tissue is actually dead (likely due to the collecting process and the fact that there's is no root on that side. I started removing the bark all the way to the white wood but then figured - I will never be able replicate the texture of the natural deadwood that's been exposed to wind, rain and snow for hundreds of years... what should I do???













Here are the pictures of the branch to be layered or....

[JTGJr25]

Its really difficult to give an opinion on whether or not to remove a branch without a picture of the entire tree at multiple angles. The closeup shots are nice but for advice on styling the whole tree needs to be seen.

Also, if this tree is new to you, maybe it is best to let this tree settle in to its new location before you do anything. Take this down time to study it as Grouper52 had said and find the best design that you can. Patience is needed even though I know you don't want to be. You don't want to regret removing something down the road that could have been used in the design.

Tom

[buddhamonk]

my bad - I wasn't explicit enough...

The branch has to go - so it's either going in the trash or it gets layered. I'm just wondering if the branch itself is worth layering and how hard it is to do on a RMJ

[JasonG]

Originally Posted by JTGJr25

Its really difficult to give an opinion on whether or not to remove a branch without a picture of the entire tree at multiple angles. The closeup shots are nice but for advice on styling the whole tree needs to be seen.

Also, if this tree is new to you, maybe it is best to let this tree settle in to its new location before you do anything. You don't want to regret removing something down the road that could have been used in the design.

Tom

I agree Tom, however the tree is ready to work on and doesn't need to settle in to anything. It has been in his area for quite a while and is already adjusted to our climate.

Originally Posted by buddhamonk

my bad - I wasn't explicit enough...

The branch has to go - so it's either going in the trash or it gets layered. I'm just wondering if the branch itself is worth layering and how hard it is to do on a RMJ

Hey BM!

I think Tom is right here....we need to see a picture of the entire tree. With that said, I think the branch in question might need to go as well, BUT it can be bent around to be incorporated into a new design.
What are your plans with this tree? Can you give us a rough idea or virt as to your plans? As for the layer you would be better off grafting roots vs a layer.

See ya, Jason

[buddhamonk]

Thanks for the reply Jason.

First picture shows the front - the angle will be different and more upright.

When grafting roots - would you use shimpaku or is RMJ better?



Tom,

Yeah the tree was collected in 2008 and is very well established. The previous pictures show the crazy amount of roots growing from the bottom of the container.

Manny

[october]

There seems to be 2 very workable styles here.. You could go with a cascade. You would need to tilt the tree down then chop it off right after that thick first branch.You could also go for and informal upright style. Here is what I see. The red is where I would chop it.. Forgive my crude highlights

Rob

[october]

Did not see the update until after I posted. It is coming along nicely...

Rob

[buddhamonk]

Thanks for the virtual - I appreciate the time it took to come up with it.

here's what I'm shooting for...

[HotAction]

Is there any live foliage on these branches? I prefer the taper of the trunk in this direction, but can't make out if it is live or dead in that area. I like both virts from october as well as yours, and I think this has a bright future.

Dave

[JasonG]

Budda, I think you could even stand up to the right a bit and still be a better tree. Seeing in person would really help though...I know I have seen it but I see hundreds and can't remember them all

The biggest key to a juniper is deadwood/live vein relationship at the base. That determines the front every time. You can move branches and you can graft foliage if needed, but you can never duplicate the deadwood at the base. If one were to ruin or hide that feature then you might as well throw it away and get another hobby, lol!

Always allow the deadwood, live veins and trunk movement set the tone for junipers Period. Everything else can be moved or fixed.

Ok, my 2cents has been added, lol! You should keep this alone till Ryan gets back in March and work on it with him......

See ya!