One of 2 things I would do with this juniper after it survives the Winter...
how will you Winter this? I just mulch my bonsai on the ground (Zone 6)
on the N side of the house under my sunroom, and have to water it infrequently (monthly depending on weather)
again Zone 6, does get below zero. Just starting out though and in zone 4, I would highly recommend to heal it
into the ground and mulch it good spreading mole/vole granules 1st and followed up again on top of mulch,
on a protected side of the house from the general harshest drying wind direction where ice melt/freeze
and ice cycles will not damage you juniper.
View attachment 256712
The 1st option ^ will begin trunk taper
regardless of how much you grow it out, maybe even going inside the trunk one more node...
2nd, to wire it bottom to top and begin a trunk twist in the direction you spiral the wire
not the opposite direction which loosens the wire. This restricts desired taper, but is easier done when young.
(here's a great lead on wiring many here will point you to
search craftsy.com for Collin Lewis bonsai wiring essentials.
Craftsy = mybluprint.com, and select the search feature
add it to cart though a free item creating an account, bookmark it and play it over and over
and it will help immensely with how to wire properly). If you went with the 1st idea you probably
won't be wiring this for some time. Not this year. Second option just does give the cambium layer
some time to heal now before dormancy.
My guess is that this juniper has not been in this pot 2 years and does not require repotting yet.
That said, you will want to get the tree healthy and keep all the foliage after a repotting to facilitate root growth
and recovery, a couple years down the road. Keep the Solar Pads = fuel for recovery.
I have a shimpaku juniper that was twisted up, vertical, and though it does not have good taper
it does sport good movement. You just have to decide what style you want and where you're going to take this.
I have a procumbens I've had twenty years, kept tallish, and no truck cut backs. The taper is rather non existant
and the trunk unremarkable, sort of boring, but it's the oldest I have in my care. Was purchased somewhat in the
same condition and presentation you have. I've bought I think 5 nursery stock junipers this year,
all cut back already except one that's over 5' tall, that's planted in the ground.