Really just cleaning up the branches would have been a 1st step and stopping point...in June. Removing under growth on branches.
Well, it has dry yellow foliage so it appears to be following the normal course of the Corazzi juniper strain.
In the before picture it was already yellowing, which meant it was not up to the task.
You spent 4 hours that was not easy peasy time spent and difficult. Again, this is the wrong time to wire conifers
especially if it doesn't come second nature to you how much moving, a branch can take. Have to tone down bends
as well as just plain ole movement of a branch back n forth this time of year a lot.
Left trunk, left branch, wire is too big. That's hard one you and the subject both. The branch appears damaged
whether it's a wound from a cut or a break there near the shoulder from bending, cant tell.
If a wound, a stub should heave been left and a dab of cut paste applied. I suspect branches maybe been over worked, seperating the cambium layer.
What I would have done, would be to inspect the roots. it's march, so I'd do that April/May.
The drainage when watered is a good visual check any time, but also the smell, and any clues to gnats
around the surface. If all is well on the feet end of things, and the yellowing is why I would check the feet 1st...
then simply remove undergrowth on the branches, overly thin twigs, and any yellowing exterior growth.
Allow it to grow on and gain vigour...see note 2
I didn't disturb the roots to look deeper into the root ball. The foliage was a sort of pale green at the time.
You lost a year that could've been more root beneficial, and possibly allowed a root issue to go unchecked.
Up or slip potting not the best choice at that time I don't think.
In 2019, it was in dappled light all year, getting direct morning and evening sunlight, but shaded partially by a honey locust tree
Honey Locust trees foliage provide a unique pleasant dappled shade which is good for the first 4-6 weeks.
Starving the tree of the best energy source all year long however is counter productive, but you did notice
new growth due to new roots, in the new soil, but old growth looks more old and more yellow no doubt
possibly a direct reflection of what is going on under the soil.
Note 2 after this years growth, some thinning. Spend time with the branches, each and every one of them
and groom with your mind more than with your tools. We want a lot of crazy good healthy foliage and strength
going into a potting up (the year prior we want this vigour). You want to thin keeping wiring in mind as you go
and finalise y tour thinning before you wire following your cues from earlier grooming where you're getting more
intimate with your subject. Like folding down a braches foliage between your middle and index fingers gently
and mentally removing that foliage back to an upper growing shoot which will be wired down to take the place
of the removed shoot, shortening the branch, pushing strength back interiorly. You just have to keep some good
valid green growth inside the cut to draw sap and receive Sun to feed the plant. The longer you leave exterior growth on
the quicker the interior foliage weakens. You have to balance what you keep for Sun, and what you thin.
May is good time for me to pot up junipers that are ready for it
and Ca. zone 9 April surely would be fine, but not yours this year.
I do pruning including drastic pruning in July, and thin thereafter
through late August. The tree is growing at these times and heals well. Then in Autumn, wire following your cues.
You will have been through it with this and that branch mentally and have a better idea what to do.
It helps facilitate your wiring application, making a job a chore, or a chore a relaxing yet mental expression
of everything you've been through with the subject that year. Yeh, the pride you felt when you took the pictures above.
Follow these steps and the likes of others that help, and your work will continue rewarding, to the following year.
I may need some help with my maples and crab apple this year and be asking some particulars from ya...
Seems I do ok with them as long as they're in the ground or attached to the tree in the ground.
