Juniper bark...clean or not?

[Poink88]

I have a couple medium sized (3"-4" trunk base) Torulosa junipers with old cracking bark. Most show juniper I see are cleaned smooth and wondering if I should preserve the bark of my trees or clean/remove them.

The biggest reason I consider cleaning them is the fact that both have scale and the bark is a great hiding place for them. The trees are treated but for peace of mind, I would rather see it right away if there is any re-infestation going.

The reason I want to keep them, is because once removed, it will probably take decades to replace so I want to thread carefully before committing.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I was expecting photos...no idea but was curious about learning something...so I'll check back in to see what your advised.

 

[Poink88]

I was expecting photos...no idea but was curious about learning something...so I'll check back in to see what your advised.

Like these...

from this Peter Tea article...
http://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/initial-styling-in-the-grey-area/

 

[GrimLore]

You can see the scale or just the effects on the foliage? Got me confused on that one. Either way if you want to keep it do so as I see now reason not to other then perhaps "looks" for show.

Grimmy

 

[Poink88]

You can see the scale or just the effects on the foliage? Got me confused on that one. Either way if you want to keep it do so as I see now reason not to other then perhaps "looks" for show.

Grimmy

I can see the scales (lots of them). Odd but they are mostly in the trunk and not on the foliage. As I said, the tree is treated though.

By the way...the tree will also have shari applied to it eventually (maybe in 3 years time) so it is very likely that the tree will be cleaned then if not sooner.

 

[tmmason10]

I think it probably boils down to personal preference. I like the cleaned, reddish bark on junipers. But, I also think that on my old RMJ that I might leave te flaky bark. Time will tell on that though.

 

[lordy]

I have only ever seen scale on juvenile, softer branchlets where the nasty creatures can get a grip with their suckers. Since you have treated the trees (for scale presumably) are you sure they are alive? Not sure how you'd tell other than seeing moisture when smashing them.

 

[Poink88]

If it helps...one of the tree in question is shown on posts #9 here
http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?14056-Good-day-for-bonsai

 

[Poink88]

I have only ever seen scale on juvenile, softer branchlets where the nasty creatures can get a grip with their suckers. Since you have treated the trees (for scale presumably) are you sure they are alive? Not sure how you'd tell other than seeing moisture when smashing them.

I checked before treatment and it is a mix. Most are dead but some are alive. I used a systemic (Bayer Tree & Shrub) not instant but should get them in a few days.

If you look hard enough at the left branch, near the label tape w/date...you can see some of them to the right and under the tape. But they are everywhere including under the bark plate/flakes.

 

[Adair M]

I like them cleaned showing the cinnamon color.

 

[amkhalid]

I think whether or not you remove it should be based on your aesthetic preference, not pest control.

Scale is easily controlled (more importantly, prevented) with responsible applications of systemic insecticide (I use imidacloprid granules). You being in 'murica have pest control easy. Here all the good stuff is banned. Which is annoying for us bonsai growers. I'm sure your Bayer product will make short work of it.

My personal preference is to remove the bark.

 

[jkd2572]

If it has lots of deadwood I like the cinnamon colored contrast. If it does not have a lot of deadwood I like to have thick old bark. I do both to my trees depending on the deadwood.

 

[Poink88]

Scale is easily controlled (more importantly, prevented) with responsible applications of systemic insecticide (I use imidacloprid granules).

That is what I used.

I will keep the bark until I need them removed...when it is time to apply some shari. I think the bark looks cool also so I'll enjoy it for now.

 

[Poink88]

Thank you all guys!!!

 

[discusmike]

If it were a group planting or forest I'd leave it.

 

[NewWorldBonsai]

I would begin by asking myself, why is the bark removed?

The answer is, purely for the appearance. However, it's important to note that juniper with totally smooth almost glossy bark can be found naturally occurring where there is high wind and typically sleet/snow. So it isn't just something crazy bonsai people do, it's something we imitate from nature.

To me, it really depends on what type of tree you're trying to make. Is it a crazy contorted juniper with lots of deadwood or a tranquil looking tree? Everything we do to a tree should reinforce the story we are trying to tell.

 

[A Random User]

Side note...
If you have gone through the trouble of grafting, why not graft directly
onto the main trunk itself ??? The branches you have grafted onto are
very thick and will not be easily manipulated. Also, the placements of
the grafts are a long way away from the trunk already...

Just curious

As far as bark, I would agree with Andrew... It depends on the type of
tree you are going for. Often, junipers are used to imitate pines, and obviously
cleaning the bark would be a little counterproductive seeing that pines
don't have smooth bark.

 

[edprocoat]

I think whether or not you remove it should be based on your aesthetic preference, not pest control.

Scale is easily controlled (more importantly, prevented) with responsible applications of systemic insecticide (I use imidacloprid granules). You being in 'murica have pest control easy. Here all the good stuff is banned. Which is annoying for us bonsai growers. I'm sure your Bayer product will make short work of it.

My personal preference is to remove the bark.

So, up in Canadum all the best pesticides are banned ? You crazy Canuck's and your socialist policies never cease to amaze me.

ed

 

[Beng]

I have a couple medium sized (3"-4" trunk base) Torulosa junipers with old cracking bark. Most show juniper I see are cleaned smooth and wondering if I should preserve the bark of my trees or clean/remove them.

The biggest reason I consider cleaning them is the fact that both have scale and the bark is a great hiding place for them. The trees are treated but for peace of mind, I would rather see it right away if there is any re-infestation going.

The reason I want to keep them, is because once removed, it will probably take decades to replace so I want to thread carefully before committing.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

I don't imagine scale is damaging the bark but if you think it's hiding in it i'd definitely remove it. Use Safari to rid yourself of the scale. I used it two years back to get rid of a really annoying scale that hid under the pine sheath of a black pine. I Killed it all and it never came back. I treated it one in the spring, once in the summer and once in the fall during the first year. Then once in late spring each year after, Safari's amazing stuff as it translocates within the bark and leaves.

 

[Poink88]

Side note...
If you have gone through the trouble of grafting, why not graft directly
onto the main trunk itself ??? The branches you have grafted onto are
very thick and will not be easily manipulated. Also, the placements of
the grafts are a long way away from the trunk already...

Just curious

It was practice since I didn't even have a design idea at the time. In a separate thread I kinda explained it and now, I have a (long term) goal...which will render 7 of the 11 useless right away.

I grafted directly to the trunk but just near the top. Regarding manipulating some of these branches...I believe I can manage if I need/want to.

Here is the virt...possibly a 10 year project though.

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?14056-Good-day-for-bonsai