Initial styling of a procumbens juniper

[WyldStallyn]

So here's a tree I got from Jason Schley at Schley's Bonsai in Deland, FL. I'm a beginner, have only been doing bonsai for about four months now. Bonsai isn't so popular in Mississipi but I do live close to a local enthusiast and he has helped me tremendously.

This is my first all out style on a halfway decent piece of material. Now I just need a lot of back budding. Here are some profession pics from when I first got it all the way through to fine wiring. Constructive criticism welcome!

 

[sorce]

I would move (not remove yet) everything above the second branch up. Let light get down to those first 2 branches, as that's where your final tree resides to me !

Nice Job. Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[sorce]

Yeah, that second branch would become my new apex eventually, it's got a lot going for it. Mobility, branching, taper.

Sorce

 

[barrosinc]

Is that aluminum wire? it seems a bit thin for those branches. Does it hold well enough?

 

[jk_lewis]

How about>

 

[WyldStallyn]

How about>

Oh, this is quite nice. Thank you!

 

[WyldStallyn]

Is that aluminum wire? it seems a bit thin for those branches. Does it hold well enough?

It is aluminum, yes. It holds well enough for now. Wanted to just put basic structure on it.

 

[WyldStallyn]

Here's an update on this sucker after about 7 months of growing. Filling in nicely, I think. Haven't done anything to it except feed and water since I wired it. Going to let it grow this season and reassess in the fall regarding design. If anyone has any good ideas, throw them at me!

 

[KennedyMarx]

Is that right branch the same thickness as the trunk? With the canopy spread out so much, it makes the trunk look thinner. I would think about jinning the thick branching, trying to compact the tree, and overall trying simplify the branch structure.

 

[WyldStallyn]

So, I said I was going to just let this grow. I was wrong. I've been looking at it for awhile and that bottom right branch had to be dealt with.

 

[DougB]

Better, but the jinned branch now covers the back branch. Might consider just removing it all together and when you do pull the branch toward the pot to create shari on the trunk. Just a thought - live with it for awhile and it will tell you what to do.

 

[WyldStallyn]

I think with a little bit of wire, I can space everything out.

 

[Adair M]

Just shorten the Jin by about 1/2.

I think you've done very well for your first tree!

 

[drew33998]

Time to think it out considerably. I would try to cut the branches back by half and see where it will back bud. Leave some foliage on the branches though else you will kill the branch.

 

[RickMartin]

I would just reduce the jin by 1/2 like Adair said. I wouldnt shorten any other branches. Very nice job for your first tree.

Rick

 

[WyldStallyn]

Here's a little update on this juniper. This is after its second wiring done this past weekend. Coming along, methinks!

 

[GGB]

Looking good man, get that guy just a little more compact. Beats my trees, looks like you had good starter material.

 

[just.wing.it]

Nice work, looks great!

 

[Vance Wood]

It is my belief that sometimes an artist can go beyond where they need to go just because the tree will respond. This tree has become very healthy but it has once more done what this species does; become a bush. I have posted the image where your tree went throng its best image and should have been developed from this point IMHO. It is important in my opinion that the branching must be visible and the green foliage should sit upon those branches like trees in the woods.

 

[RNbonsai]

Nice progression, glad to see it alive and improving