Beginners advice -Juniper Bonsai

[Kristoff]

Hi, I'm new to bonsai and ausbonsai.com. I received this 9 year old bonsai about 6 months ago along with a tool set. It has wiring and I'm
not sure when it was re-potted last and in which direction 'style wise' to go in (keep the bottom branch or lose it?). Also, any advice in regards to
pruning this Juniper, when to trim the roots or re-pot it etc would be much appreciated.

Many thanks!

juniper_bonsai-resize_front.jpg

[kcpoole]

Hi Kristoff
Welcome to AusBonsai.

Check out this Wiki page for an idea of when to do what for most trees
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... hould_I%3F

Also check out this one for different Styles and look at your tree, Which style do you see in it? https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... nsai_style

I would be repotting when you can and tilt to the left so there is some movement out from the ground. this will make the Horizontal bend into a Second upright section of trunk for you to build the apex on.
The low branch on the left gets wired out flat to the new shape of the tree, and the other branches get wired out flat to radiate out from the tree as you move up. This will give you branching all round and up the tree to shape into foliage pads.

a small informal upright is where you should aim at this time with this tree, and learn to keep it healthy over the next year

Ken

[Kristoff]

Thanks for the advice Ken!
I picked up a young Japanese red maple from Ray Nesci's/soil etc
great guy, he is so very helpful! and he recommend I drop by the school of Bonsai
(seeing as I only live down the road). Do you know off hand if there are any random beginner
classes I can attend or do all first semester classes start in January?
Cheers
Kristoff

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

Hi Kristoff

Welcome to the forum and to the wonderful addiction of bonsai.

Take the time to go through the forum webite. there is so much hidden treasure, waiting to be uncovered.

You are so lucky to live close to such a great place of learning. Get in and enjoy!!

Stew

[Kristoff]

Thanks Stew,

Bonsai has always been a love and appreciation from afar but now
I'm digging in!
K

[kcpoole]

Thanks for the advice Ken!
I picked up a young Japanese red maple from Ray Nesci's/soil etc
great guy, he is so very helpful! and he recommend I drop by the school of Bonsai
(seeing as I only live down the road). Do you know off hand if there are any random beginner
classes I can attend or do all first semester classes start in January?
Cheers
Kristoff

the Classes are designed to start at the beginning of the year, but we take Newbies at any time thru the year. You can start next Term, and then pick up the rest of the 1st 3 terms next year, Or just wait till next year.
Talk to Clinton and he wil advise you the best, but the way I see it, Why wait

Ken