Juniper air layer

[mds_1978]

Hey everyone. This is a juniper I've developed from nursery stock since 2019. The issue I have with the tree is the straight, un-tapered section at the bottom of the trunk. I've been thinking about layering it around an inch or two above the soil level to try and reduce the impact of that section. Does that seem like a good idea? Any other suggestions (carving?) for dealing with this issue would be great too.

 

[BrightsideB]

I like that juniper. Real thin and lengthy foliage. May be a little difficult getting any dense looking pads though. I’ve seen people successfully air layer junipers I have never so I wouldn’t give advice. But I think it looks cool but just needs more time to grow. Make that Jin look more like a branch broke naturally and expand the Shari. You also have two branches converging creating two apex branches my eye got lost once it went to the top. Maybe consider cutting the one on the left. Some tree’s are harder to work with then others.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Ground layering is a viable option too. Takes more time but it reduces the risks by about a 100%.

Changing the planting angle can work wonders sometimes.

 

[mds_1978]

I like that juniper. Real thin and lengthy foliage. May be a little difficult getting any dense looking pads though. I’ve seen people successfully air layer junipers I have never so I wouldn’t give advice. But I think it looks cool but just needs more time to grow. Make that Jin look more like a branch broke naturally and expand the Shari. You also have two branches converging creating two apex branches my eye got lost once it went to the top. Maybe consider cutting the one on the left. Some tree’s are harder to work with then others.

Thanks. Yeah, there's a lot more work to be done yet on this one. Still in the early stages. Thanks for the suggestions.

Ground layering is a viable option too. Takes more time but it reduces the risks by about a 100%.

Changing the planting angle can work wonders sometimes.

I think I will repot at a different angle this year and see how that works out, and then maybe layer it if I'm not happy with the results.

 

[Shibui]

Consider extending the existing shari in a spiral down the trunk. Gradually widen the shari over a few years. That should disguise the straightness of the lower section.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I actually think the straight upper trunk is a bigger issue.

First, uncover the nebari so we can see what roots you're dealing with. Second, as @Wires_Guy_wires suggests, planting at an angle goes a long way towards disguising a straight lower trunk section.

 

[jonf]

Consider extending the existing shari in a spiral down the trunk. Gradually widen the shari over a few years. That should disguise the straightness of the lower section.

I agree. What sets junipers apart from other bonsai species is their deadwood, and that's what they are held in high regard for. More trunk = more deadwood. I wouldn't air layer.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

 

[Japonicus]

I actually think the straight upper trunk is a bigger issue.

I agree. Some annealed copper wire probably size #8, and a steeper planting angle.

 

[jerzyjerzy]

You can also simply bend it. It would probably require a rebar but it is a simple enough procedure to do.

 

[Haxor Dave]

I have a juniper that's also nursery stock I'm no expert but maybe a wedge cut? I'm going to be reporting mine this spring/ summer so I guess I'll learn how the juniper dose rewl soon

 

[Eckhoffw]

I don’t know, I think maybe after you repot the tree you may like it better.

 

[mds_1978]

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone. I'll repot the tree this spring at a steeper angle and see how it looks after that.