Chinese Juniper Apex Help Please

[Nickuk74]

Good evening,
I bought this Juniper a year ago in a sale in the UK. It has a weak first branch so I have let it run to get it back to full health and it's finally getting there (maybe!). The main issue I have with it is the apex. It was air layered and the apex was never attended to, hence the sale price. I was just wondering what I can do as I'm not sure how it's going to respond. I can't find any references showing shari going into the apex so am a bit sumped. If anyone has an insight, I would be most grateful for suggestions.
Thanks,
Nick

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Wire this branch like so, and shorten the stub. You now have an apex to develop.

 

[Nickuk74]

View attachment 602674
Wire this branch like so, and shorten the stub. You now have an apex to develop.

Thanks. Do you think the bark will close over the stub?

 

[Ruddigger]

Thanks. Do you think the bark will close over the stub?

Nope

 

[bwaynef]

I'd consider jinning the top most spiral and building the tree from everything below that. Looks like some cutback and cleanup are in order now that its healthy again.

 

[Mike Westervelt]

If you want a smaller tree @bwaynef plan is good.

If you want a bigger tree, I'd cut at blue line to continue the sinuous trunkline.

Also if those exposed roots are alive I'd definitely try to get them covered.

Nice juniper!

 

[Nickuk74]

If you want a smaller tree @bwaynef plan is good.

If you want a bigger tree, I'd cut at blue line to continue the sinuous trunkline.

Also if those exposed roots are alive I'd definitely try to get them covered.

Nice juniper!

View attachment 602711

Thanks!

 

[Nickuk74]

I'd consider jinning the top most spiral and building the tree from everything below that. Looks like some cutback and cleanup are in order now that its healthy again.

Thanks!