Help! Sick Sierra

[Francesco84]

Hi all

Was hoping someone could tell me what’s goin on here. I did some spring branch pruning to encourage stronger inner growth about 3-4 weeks ago and
Since then, the entire tree is showing significant die back. Aside from leggy growth the tree did not show any signs of being in bad health prior to pruning. The only good news right now is that there are signs of crotch growth in most crotches. Pics are below. I’ve reduced the watering schedule, cleaned the surface soil and raised the pot off the bench to help circulation. I am
Thinking that it had a tough winter and which killed some roots and now some branches? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

First picture is the tree as of May 1. The rest of the pictures are as of today , May 20.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

When is the last time you repotted? The soil is looking a little dense and wet to me. Perhaps the roots are staying too moist?

 

[Francesco84]

When is the last time you repotted? The soil is looking a little dense and wet to me. Perhaps the roots are staying too moist?

I repotted in 2023 with an akadama, pumice and lava mixture. You are correct the soil has broken down quite a bit, but the water still flows pretty nice with just a little pooling. I have reduced the water schedule already and hope that helps a little.

 

[Brain Treez]

Can you post a current "whole tree" photo so we can get an idea of the overall dieback?

 

[rockm]

This is a western-collected Sierra Juniper (juniperus Occidentalis) in New York?

 

[Francesco84]

Can you post a current "whole tree" photo so we can get an idea of the overall dieback?

Crap! Thought I had it in there.

 

[Francesco84]

This is a western-collected Sierra Juniper (juniperus Occidentalis) in New York?

Correct. But I am in central NJ.

 

[Francesco84]

A couple more pics…

 

[Scriv]

When did you wire it?

 

[Francesco84]

When did you wire it?

Spring/summer 2024.

 

[Scriv]

Sounds like it's most likely a root related issue. It's hard to tell from the pics, but does the dieback seem uniform through the canopy? Is the tree in full sun? How well does the water permeate the substrate? Have you checked for mites?

 

[Francesco84]

Sounds like it's most likely a root related issue. It's hard to tell from the pics, but does the dieback seem uniform through the canopy? Is the tree in full sun? How well does the water permeate the substrate? Have you checked for mites?

Thanks. Yes dieback is uniform. Yes, tree has been in full sun from morning till About 6pm. Water permeates prettty good, but does slightly pool at the edge of the pot. I have not checked for mights but I have been inspecting the foliage everyday and have not seen any.

 

[Scriv]

Thanks. Yes dieback is uniform. Yes, tree has been in full sun from morning till About 6pm. Water permeates prettty good, but does slightly pool at the edge of the pot. I have not checked for mights but I have been inspecting the foliage everyday and have not seen any.

Do the paper plate test to check for mites. Although that is typically localized to start and comes with webbing.

For now, I’d put it in the shade and be super on point dialing in the proper balance of water and oxygen. Let a steak skewer live in the soil and don’t water until it’s dry.

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing (this is assuming it’s not a pest issue).

 

[River's Edge]

Hi all

Was hoping someone could tell me what’s goin on here. I did some spring branch pruning to encourage stronger inner growth about 3-4 weeks ago and
Since then, the entire tree is showing significant die back. Aside from leggy growth the tree did not show any signs of being in bad health prior to pruning. The only good news right now is that there are signs of crotch growth in most crotches. Pics are below. I’ve reduced the watering schedule, cleaned the surface soil and raised the pot off the bench to help circulation. I am
Thinking that it had a tough winter and which killed some roots and now some branches? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

First picture is the tree as of May 1. The rest of the pictures are as of today , May 20.

My first thought is that you have overworked the tree, reducing too much foliage and wiring, just after a major repot. The tree has been weakened too much and you have pruned further this spring. I would suggest allowing it yto recover for a year or more before any further work.

 

[Ruddigger]

My first thought is that you have overworked the tree, reducing too much foliage and wiring, just after a major repot. The tree has been weakened too much and you have pruned further this spring. I would suggest allowing it yto recover for a year or more before any further work.

As usual Frank is likely correct here. In California we can get away with that kind of work, but in places with actual winter you have to be much more careful.

 

[Francesco84]

My first thought is that you have overworked the tree, reducing too much foliage and wiring, just after a major repot. The tree has been weakened too much and you have pruned further this spring. I would suggest allowing it yto recover for a year or more before any further work.

Thank you very much Frank. I appreciate it. The repot and initial styling were done one year apart so I thought that would be enough time. Hopefully the tree will recover.

 

[Francesco84]

As usual Frank is likely correct here. In California we can get away with that kind of work, but in places with actual winter you have to be much more careful.

Thanks Ryan.

 

[Francesco84]

Do the paper plate test to check for mites. Although that is typically localized to start and comes with webbing.

For now, I’d put it in the shade and be super on point dialing in the proper balance of water and oxygen. Let a steak skewer live in the soil and don’t water until it’s dry.

Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing (this is assuming it’s not a pest issue).

Will do. Thanks for the advice and insight here.

 

[River's Edge]

Thank you very much Frank. I appreciate it. The repot and initial styling were done one year apart so I thought that would be enough time. Hopefully the tree will recover.

Junipers require a more staged approach for best results. They are much more reliant on their foliage for recovery. Great explanation of this aspect in Jonas Dupuich new book. The Essential Bonsai Book.
Best of luck with this tree moving forward, It looks like a great project.