First Juniper, Cascade style

[ajhops]

This is my first juniper attempt. How have I done so far? I've only removed major branches and done a little wiring on the main lines. There's lots of foliage that needs to go but I'm not sure what is safe to remove now.

 

[bonsai barry]

As you have shaped the tree so far you have two styles going, cascade and informal upright. If you want to keep it a cascade then you need to tilt the planting angle of the tree so the casscade descends more abruptly. A lot of foliage will need to be removed and some interesting bends placed in that branch. The other half of the tree is in conflict pulling the viewer's eye in the opposite direction and should be removed.

You might consider chopping the cascade branch and going with an informal upright. I have done a quick virtual of your tree to show you what I mean

 

[Danilo]

It looks like there is a good foundation for a nice cascading tree there, but it's gonna take some time and work.
It's kind of an elongated tree right now, with the smaller high section pulling focus off the cascade. That section will need to be moved over the main trunk, and the cascade needs a more intense bend down, closer to the trunk.

 

[ajhops]

Thank you for taking the time to do a virt on my tree. I like the idea you present, but I'm trepidatious about removing such a thick prominent branch. In fact, that cascade branch was the reason I bought the nursery plan in the first place. Still, I like the classic image yours conveys. I wonder what the rest of the forum thinks.