Ok is it worth it?

[Mike123]

I have these two in my backyard. Not sure what type of juniper. If anyone could tell me that would be great. They've been here about 30 years or so. I know they won't bud back but I thought they look interesting . Pretty cool dead wood. What do you think? The branches bend pretty easy. Sorry pics aren't that good coming off my phone with overcast day.

 

[bonsai barry]

Absolutely, I'd use them in a heartbeat.

 

[Mike123]

Not sure on what type they are. Yeah I kinda see something there. Well we are supposed to get more snow tonight....4 to 6 inches! So I'll make plans to dig soon after.

 

[Mike123]

Would someone be able to tell me what type it is?

 

[Poink88]

Definitely worth it...but the one on the background of pic #3 is even better.

OR is that the one on the last pic?

 

[Poink88]

What I see as possible option...

...or similar but rather than grafting, bend the heck of the top to bring it down.

 

[Tona]

I am going to guess Juniperus sabina ‘Tamariscifolia’. Common in California as a landscape juniper. I can't see the foliage that clear but that's my guess. Grafting is a great option.
Tona

 

[Mike123]

Definitely worth it...but the one on the background of pic #3 is even better.

OR is that the one on the last pic?

Sorry didn't see that. Yes that's the one in the last pic

 

[Paradox]

Be careful in how hastily you dig these out. Might want to wait until late April/early May.
We are having a prolonged winter and probably late spring. If you did them out too soon, you might kill them.

 

[CHUCHIN]

Very finicky to collect...I dont know the botanical reference but id collect a rootball twice what you think you need and work it down over the next several years from there... In terms of potential I see a nice Bunjin/literati in that tree.

Best

 

[Bill S]

My eyes are seeing a Virginiana, but not a great pic.

 

[Mike123]

Be careful in how hastily you dig these out. Might want to wait until late April/early May.
We are having a prolonged winter and probably late spring. If you did them out too soon, you might kill them.

Ok thanks. There in the part of the yard that's doesn't get much sun. Ground plants get to high around them. Maybe that's why not much growth on lower trunks. I know they won't bud on old wood but like Chuchin said maybe Bunjin/literati. And I'll wait until late April/early May like you said. Thanks!

 

[Mike123]

My eyes are seeing a Virginiana, but not a great pic.

Yeah pics aren't that great. I'll try and get some better ones. Got about 5 inches of snow today! Can't wait for nicer weather! I'm going nuts stuck inside so going through the yard looking for something that may be worth working on. I'll get better pics.

 

[Mike123]

Update

Finally got around to digging up this guy today. Not much of a root system but have high hopes. Mixed in good draining soil. Now will let it rest. Should I keep in shade for a week or two or part shade then gradually full sun? I think I have something here. I like the deadwood. What do you guys think? And what type do you think this is? Took better pic. Thanks!

 

[Mike123]

Update

Here's some more!

 

[Vance Wood]

Here's some more!

Personally I don't have a clue what you are dealing with. It looks like the Junipers were growing in a good deal of shade and that can account for the stringy aspect of the foliage. However I would suggest that you let them alone for at least a year. Fertilize them heavily and give them plenty of sun. You need to stimulate good and vigorous growth before you can think anything about grafting or any other aggressive effort.

 

[Mike123]

Yes they are and we're growing in shade still hanve one I didn't collect. That's kinda why I posted is it worth it. Thought maybe Lliterati or Bunjin? Like Chuchin comented. I still think there's something in there. Not sure but exciting! I don't know, I like to try find the diamond in the rough! Even if nothing turns out, I'll will have learned how to collect juniper for Bonsai. I like the way it fought to live in said circumstances.

 

[Mike123]

Respect your opinion a lot, and thanks for replying my thread!

 

[Poink88]

Find several anchor points higher on the tree (deadwood preferably) then guy wire it to the pot (cinch it tightly). place at least 3 (more is better) in opposite directions to really stabilize the tree. Done right, it won't move even if you accidentally bump on it...might save the tree's tender roots when it is just starting to grow.

Good luck!

 

[Mike123]

I think in my very very early stages of Bonsai, I can't bring my self to buy something already started or have some Predetermined style that I continue on . And I'm not trying to sound snippy I just like the challenge of finding something and trying to make something out of it . Whether or not it will have a future that's kinda fun for me. Ya gotta love the dead wood!