'94 Squamata

[jezz_39]

I purchased this Juniperus Squamata 12 months ago and finally drew some inspiration to tame the beast. This is my first time styling a Juniper and while I don't think ive hit the mark, a few more seasons of growth and foliage mass may present more options.

The tree was given an initial branch selection, cleaning out of the dead interior and crotch shoots and a light wire. It was then left to grow for the next few months to restore vigour - I then cut back long extension shoots, cleaned out the crotches again and removed most downward and upward shoots. Got rid of the bottom 2 branches and tried to open things up a bit. The jin work will be shortened and left to dry out. The shari will be worked on in another 2 seasons.

I will let the tree rest and build up a head of steam, should be able to reduce the rootball next year.

[irish]

Hello.
That's off to a good start.

There will be a good tree in there in a few years.

Cheers.
Irish

[kez]

Looking good, looks like you have done a good job refining and the design is really solid!

I have found good results foliage feeding my junipers for a month or so after working on them, seems to help them recover and gets them nice and vigorous

[jezz_39]

Thanks for the tip, Kez. I have been foliage feeding this one since the original cut-back and seemed to get great results. Its still in the original nursery pot and soil so I find myself watering the foliage and then a light water of the soil surface is all that is needed. It seemed healthy enough so I decided to style this year and hold off on the repotting until it recovers.

Hello.
That's off to a good start.

There will be a good tree in there in a few years.

Thanks for the encouragement. I have always been put off by Junipers so decided to challenge myself with some more intimidating material. Now Ive really worked on one I may become hooked

[jezz_39]

Time for an update. This one has grown quite well, runners have been allowed to extend in places to allow for more branching options and overall vigour. Its looking a bit bushy at the moment but im letting it grow in an effort to encourage mature foliage.
Looking at the tree today it seems too symmetrical and lacks a dominant movement in the foliage. Future removal/or jin of the left branch might be the answer. Future tightening up of the foliage pads and bringing the apex down a touch, perhaps...

[jezz_39]

Left branched removed, jin shortened, apex pulled over to the right a touch. Looking a bit better...