Where to start: Juniperus communis

[Baldemotions]

I posted this tree on another forum and thought I would let more eyes and minds look at it.

I thought I might have some ideas for this tree when I picked it up, but now looking at it I lost any image I did have.

Any comments, suggestions or anything else welcome.

 

[Baldemotions]

 

[JudyB]

For me, pictures #1, and #4 hold the most interest. Have you tried looking at angling it when you look at it? Sometimes that can hold the answer. I don't have any expertise in junis, so I'll just leave my thoughts at that!

 

[bonsai barry]

With the carving this tree will remind me of the giant junipers that I've seen growing in the High Sierra.

 

[daygan]

While it doesn't feel terribly inspired on my part, I wonder if you might consider something like the following for a design goal:

 

[BonsaiRic]

While it doesn't feel terribly inspired on my part, I wonder if you might consider something like the following for a design goal:

I like this approach, too. You could wire your basic branch structure but you might want to reduce the foliage over two(three?) growing cycles (years) to reach your desired goal especially on the branches that you want to keep. My experience is if you reduce a juniper's foliage too much at once, it will seriously weaken it. It is then more prone to spider mites etc.

Various experts will tell you different % of foliage to remove in one major styling(per yearly growth cycle). A great video I watched last night by Bjorn was amazing. Check it out here. Bjorn said he would take off no more than 60% of juniper foliage in a styling per season. Graham Potter mentioned no more than 50% of existing foliage removed at a major styling event.

 

[Baldemotions]

Thanks for the virt and comments so far. It is for sure a rugged looking juniper.