Procumbens Juniper Progress

[John Ruger]

Here's a short procumbens progression over about 8 mos. Just a simple garden variety purchased for cheap and its been a very healthy one so far. I'm not sure how well or poorly I'm tackling the foliage; it seems to get out of hand fairly quickly on this type and I'm not really sure what equates mature foliage on this

The first 2 picks were taken last year after a serious cut-down of the existing foliage and branches. The red wire was on hand at the time and really just used it to jack a few of the branches and crown down.

I can't say that I have a "plan" for this. It seemed to have gravitated in this way the more I fiddled with it and now I'm sort of just "riding the wave" of how I think it wants to go.

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Sorry for the photo quality or lack thereof, but I generally just snap shots for my own use to compare notes and I fail to take into consideration how sloppy it appears to others.

So, any ideas whether you guys like the progress or think it blows chunks please feel free to comment.

 

[october]

I really like this tree. I think pic 3 should be the front. It has a nice base and a very nice jin. I think this tree is actually close to being "finished". All this tree needs are the foliage areas broken up into small, uniform pads. Also, the silhouette of the apex reduced and also broken up into small sections. Breaking it up into small sections will make it look like a much older trees. I think this tree can be exhibited in the next 1-2 years. Maybe something like this virt. A simple wiring and pruning job can make quite a big visual impact.

Rob

 

[John Ruger]

Thanks a million for the virt. advice and encouragement Rob, I think you've brought out an excellent solution. I kept seeing this smaller tree with a huge canopy and was brain-locked on a solution.

Any advice on how to handle the foliage on a procumbens?? I keep feeling I'm 2-3 steps behind this stuff. What would you do different with these as opposed to let's say a shimp??

 

[october]

Thanks a million for the virt. advice and encouragement Rob, I think you've brought out an excellent solution. I kept seeing this smaller tree with a huge canopy and was brain-locked on a solution.

Any advice on how to handle the foliage on a procumbens?? I keep feeling I'm 2-3 steps behind this stuff. What would you do different with these as opposed to let's say a shimp??

Procumbens foliage is stubborn..lol. When reducing silhouettes and other areaa, always cut back on a branch to where there is fresh growing green. In the future, this young branchlet becomes the new end of the branch. Don't cut foliage stems. Rather, cut back to a joint where there is fresh growth or cut that whole stem off, but make sure there is another stem there to fill the spot.

As far as dealing with this tree specifically. First, look at the entire interior of branching. Designate which branches can be removed. Still looking into the interior, judge where you want the small foliage sections to be. Then remove branches/foliage that are not needed. Now, wire everything. However, before wiring, try to have an idea of where everything will be bent into place after wiring. To me, is seems that this tree might not need much, in any, branch reduction. Maybe a couple sub branches. In my virt, I didn't move anything. All I did was reduce some foliage and leave small sections of foilage with open spaces in between.

Lastly, although pinching is more for a finished tree. To get this one on track, might require some pinching. After your tree is wired and everything is in place. Just lightly pinch the areas that are out growing the silhouette. However, only pinch it back to fresh green growth. Also, only a few pinches, not the whole tree.

I think this tree has major potential.

Rob

 

[John Ruger]

Thanks loads again Rob, I really appreciate the advice.

 

[John Ruger]

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...some new shots this am after tinkering with it last night.