My $4 Juniper

[Temple]

I saw this on the clearance rack for $4 and thought what the heck. So far the only thing I have done is clean the branches now I need advise. I know it's a matter of style and that is determine by the individual. What would be a good starting point?

 

[pmalelis]

How large to you want your future tree to be? You may have cut too much off, and may need to chase back foliage for more dense lower branching.

 

[Temple]

About 90% of what I cut off was dead and dried up. At this time I'm leaning towards keeping the main branch that turns back over its self and cutting some of the smaller ones that are going back the opposite direction. There is also a lower larger branch I want to bend to go the same direction as the main branch for the swept look. One branch has several roots but that one will get removed later.

I would like to get it out of the plastic pot to see what the roots look like. Should I wait or go ahead and repot and water now?

I travel a lot so this tree will be going on the road, a lot, so it can't get to big

 

[Dario]

Hi Temple, it could maybe make an interesting raft once you chase the foliage back on some of the leggy branches over a couple of years.
Just another direction to consider styling wise?
Cheers, Dario.

 

[Paradox]

I would like to get it out of the plastic pot to see what the roots look like. Should I wait or go ahead and repot and water now?

If you repot it now, you have a good chance of killing it. Better to wait and see how it recovers. Leave it alone until the spring of 2015. Then you can consider a repot. Just water and let it grow.

One major insult per year on conifers is the general rule. Pruning is an insult. Repotting is another insult. Do yourself a favor and do some reading about the proper time to do things like pruning and repotting. Doing things at the wrong time can kill a tree.