Old Gold progression.

[bonsaiwood]

My two cents for whatever it may be worth: Forget the trimming. I would let the tree grow out more this year. Miracle gro will be your best friend. Water it well and take the next 9-10 months to plan for a re-style early next year- maybe at repot if the tree is healthy and vigorous. I don’t know if you belong to a club in Seattle? There are plenty of experienced teachers up your way that could lend a hand in guiding you through the styling process.

 

[AshleyMammal]

Instead of offering some inexperienced advice, I'll pose it as a question. Would it be creating too much imbalance to remove everything on the left (as oriented in the last 2 pictures)? Covering up that foliage with my hand as I view it makes that sharp bend in the trunk all the more pleasing to my eye.

I reckon either everything on the left has to go, or everything on the right.

To my eyes, the two main branches are competing for direction, the tree needs to flow. Planting angle could also be adjusted to help flow - at the minute the tree reminds me of a letter ‘T’. The slightly less dominant branch is also higher than the more dominant branch which is a bit jarring.

I’m not saying do it right now or all in one go, but have a think about it. By the way, it’s a great progression thread and the tree is looking really healthy.

 

[Coach_]

You can solve your issues with a simple planting angle change. I threw this together in PS in just a couple of minutes, but turn this towards a semi cascade by tilting it towards your primary branch.

Use your imagination on padding the lower right branches and the branching of the left to create balance.

This will accomplish two things:

1. You give a flow and a direction to the design of the tree, while ALSO creating a branch to develop an apex/top
2. Gets the jin/shari in line with what actually occurs in nature where the outside of the tree thats exposed to wind would become dead wood.

 

[Bonsaidoorguy]

I feel like so far youve done well taking care of the tree, but when are you going to set a structure for the long term of this tree. It doesnt seem to have a long term aim. I agree with the earlier comment by @Ruddigger. Gain strength and make some BIG MOVES.

My vision:

View attachment 595274

How about now.

 

[Coach_]

Big improvement!

Idk if the wire like that will hold its form, will probably have to be on for a long time.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Now we're talking!!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Like the change and idea of tilting to the left on the upper branch side as shown in the third image.

Would think about shifting in a larger diameter, but shallower pot soon to see of the added surface area and temperature of the media will foster more growth.

In addition, fertilizing well all year (including slow release all winter - junipers grow in our winter, at least in our yard .)

Finally, not cutting off any crotch growth for a couple years, while sorting out and crafting the major growth areas into pads. This will provide options that can help hone the intended design.

Cheers
DSD sends