San Jose Guidance Help

[vario]

Trying to figure out my long term strategy with this San Jose.
Root development should come first, so I have been reluctant to cut it. I do wonder if I should wire it soon so it is a bit more upright.
I haven't done any pruning or wiring on this ex-nursery tree. It has been in the pond planter about a week.
I am having difficulty with the next step after that. My inclination is to wire it, as it is young and easily shaped. I am also curious if I should cut down some of these branches in length. There is one really nice branch that is a C shape, curves back across the top. It has the thickest trunk of the branches. I think that whatever presents this branch in a flattering light should be the front. Really hard to photograph this thing because of the foliage.

 

[Dav4]

I would be reluctant to wire a tree recently repotted into a pond basket, as I'd think it would be almost impossible to wire it into the basket so securely that the tree wouldn't move and damage newly forming roots. If this were my tree, I'd set it aside for the summer in full sun, feed and water aggressively, and study what you have and try to decide where you want to take it. It's hard to get a feel for this tree based solely on the pictures, but it looks young and could stand to do some growing for a year or two. For me, junipers are all about their trunks... whether it's the movement, the deadwood features, or preferably both. Think about that first while you try to come up with a plan with this stock.

 

[vario]

I would be reluctant to wire a tree recently repotted into a pond basket, as I'd think it would be almost impossible to wire it into the basket so securely that the tree wouldn't move and damage newly forming roots. If this were my tree, I'd set it aside for the summer in full sun, feed and water aggressively, and study what you have and try to decide where you want to take it. It's hard to get a feel for this tree based solely on the pictures, but it looks young and could stand to do some growing for a year or two. For me, junipers are all about their trunks... whether it's the movement, the deadwood features, or preferably both. Think about that first while you try to come up with a plan with this stock.

Thanks!