[IBC] Shaping and Pruning Juniperus Chinensis

Bernie

I have tried posting this question to several bonsai groups, however I
am utterly astounded that to date nobody has been able to help me out.

I simply wish to be directed as to what is the best time of year to
shape prune and wire Juniper Chinensis.

I have been led to understand that this is a good beginners bonsai,
which makes it all the more unbeleivable that nobody seems to know
anything about working with these trees.

I have tried getting the answer from bonsai books, however it seems
that no two authors can agree on anything regarding bonsai culture.

Anyhow sorry to see that little help has been forthcoming on other
sites, and really hope that somebody might be able to help me here.

Thanks in anticipation of any help forthcoming.

Bernie

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Justin Diaz

Hi Bernie, welcome to the list!

Junipers are hardy, sturdy little plants. They grow really fast as well. Juniper pruning can typically be done at any time of year. I like to wait and carry out MAJOR pruning, like removing a trunk of a twin trunk or something of similar scale until later in the year, towards Fall, because they tend to ooze out less sap at that time. But that's only for larger Junipers, and even then not too much.

Juniperus Chinensis is a sturdy little tree. Constant, yes CONSTANT pinching and small pruning will be needed to keep the tree neat and clean and develop the foliage pads, done throughout the year (save winter). You may wire at any time also. I've wired at any number of times throughout the year, including winter, and no time really seems to work better than another, although if you wire in winter or spring, keep a close eye on it so that it doesn't begin to cut into the trunk or branches.

Best of luck,

Justin

"With experience comes wisdom. Age alone guarantees nothing."

Dad

Don't worry, Bernie, help is just an email away.
First, J. chinensis is a very tough plant. This is not to say that it has no problems. While it's possible to transplant it now, I would wait until after Labor Day. Cool nights and warm days do wonders for it.
As for heavy pruning, I would wait until spring to do it. Heavy pruning now encourages soft new growth which will be killed off next winter, making the plant highly susceptible to the grim reaper.
Marty

Michael Persiano

Bernie:

I prefer styling (shaping and wiring) Juniper Chinensis in the spring. As you know, Juniperus Chinensis has scale-like mature foliage. This foliage needs to be maintained through pinching technique, i.e., the foliage should be fanned and the new growth
only should be pinched back with your thumb and index fingers. Branches are cut away using concave cutters or sheers based upon the diameter of the branches.

Wires can remain on the tree for approximately one year. When you wire, it is not necessary to apply extreme pressure. I have found during the past few years that wires loosely applied (with less tension) still do the job if bark contact is maintained t
hroughout the entire spiral. Guy wires can be used to hold branches requiring drastic bending.

If you would like to post a picture of the tree, I will gladly respond with constructive design and maintenance suggestions.

I apologize for the late response. );-)

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob

Iris Cohen

<< I simply wish to be directed as to what is the best time of year to shape
prune and wire Juniper chinensis. >

I would be more inclined to do heavy shaping and pruning in the spring, but I
don't think it's critical. It may depend on where you live. I don't think I
would put a tree under a lot of stress in the middle of the summer if you have
a hot dry climate. Most junipers need minor pinching all season long.

<< I have tried getting the answer from bonsai books, however it seems that no
two authors can agree on anything regarding bonsai culture. >>

Oh, so you've noticed.
Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming
train."
Robert Lowell (1917-1977)

Kitsune Miko

I
<< I have tried getting the answer from bonsai books, however it seems that no
two authors can agree on anything regarding bonsai culture. >>

Oh, so you've noticed.
Iris,

This is why your best source of information is watching the tree and seeing how it grows or not grows. Those with surviving trees have done just that. Then they document what they have done as something that works. The next person may have equally good
results with a totally opposing method.

Kitsune MIko


****
"Expectations are resentments under construction."

Anne Lamott

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IrisCohen@AOL.COM

In a message dated 7/21/04 11:40:53 PM, kits@pacbell.net writes:
> This is why your best source of information is watching the tree and seeing
> how it grows or not grows.
>
I should live so long. It's nice to have reliable information ahead of time.
Everybody told me Betula 'Trost's Dwarf' is very slow. Nobody warned me that
if I wired the trunk in May, it would be cutting in by July.

> Those with surviving trees have done just that. * Then they document what
> they have done as something that works. * The next person may have equally
> good results with a totally opposing method.
>
I doubt it. The totally opposing method may be due to difference in climate,
variety, or other factors that are never mentioned. I enjoyed Walter Pall's
recent article about Ulmus minor (the correct name), but it only bore out
everything I had already discovered about 'Jacqueline Hillier.' At least I know that
what I am doing with it is on the right track.
Iris


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++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
>>-->> The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ <<--<<
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail BONSAI-REQUEST@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM +++++

Kitsune Miko

IrisCohen@aol.com wrote:In a message dated 7/21/04 11:40:53 PM, kits@pacbell.net writes:
This is why your best source of information is watching the tree and seeing how it grows or not grows.


I should live so long. It's nice to have reliable information ahead of time. Everybody told me Betula 'Trost's Dwarf' is very slow. Nobody warned me that if I wired the trunk in May, it would be cutting in by July.

Timing, region, climate?


Those with surviving trees have done just that. Then they document what they have done as something that works. The next person may have equally good results with a totally opposing method.


I doubt it. The totally opposing method may be due to difference in climate, variety, or other factors that are never mentioned. I enjoyed Walter Pall's recent article about Ulmus minor (the correct name), but it only bore out everything I had already dis
covered about 'Jacqueline Hillier.' At least I know that what I am doing with it is on the right track.
Iris


Exactally, this is why you can't always depend only on books, unless the book changes methods per zone or something like that.

Kitsune Miko



****
"Expectations are resentments under construction."

Anne Lamott

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
>>-->> The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ <<--<<
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail BONSAI-REQUEST@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM +++++

Bernie

Thank you all very sincerely for taking the time to answer my question
regarding pruning Juniper Chinensis.

I am a new starter at bonsai, and have acquired a couple of these
trees which I hope to transform over the years.

It is particularly nice to know I have joined a Bonsai forum where my
questions get so many helpful answers.

In future I will forego the books and ask myquestions from my friends
here.

Again many thanks for all your very kind help.

Bernie