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."

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
--
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Bernie,

I guess you haven't gotten an answer for several reasons. The reasons include location and, age of material. The other that there are about as many methods as there are trees. Many say it is the only way to do things. Find the way of your specific pla
nt by being constantly observing on how it grows and the changes it makes.

You can wire and prune any time. Transplanting would be best just before the plant breaks dormancy wherever you live. Wiring during active growing season just means you have to watch the wires more carefully so they do not cut. A juniper never gets bar
e so waiting to wire has no good reason.

The intensity of pruning depends on the growth cycle. If you over prune a juniper, it may change the needle pattern. We call the spiky stuff imature growth where the nurseries I have been to call it mature growth.

So my advice would be to take the pruning slowly, study the growth pattern and always prune in a manner that leaves a growing tip. (not always necessary, but safest.)

Other than that you need to find someone in your area that can help you hands on.

Kitsune Miko



Bernie wrote:
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

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


****
"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 +++++

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

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bernie"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 12:03 PM
Subject: [IBC] Shaping and Pruning Juniperus Chinensis


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


************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

In a message dated 7/21/2004 12:03:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Bernie writes:

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.

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

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

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

Bernie: Try not to be so black and white in your approach to
bonsai knowledge. There is good information to be obtained in
bonsai books. And it is usually fairly well organized and with
photos and illustrations. Of course, there is poor information to
be found in bonsai books.
You can also find appallingly poor information in this
forum ... along with excellent advice. My point is that if you
want good bonsai information and education, you need to diversify
your approach. Learn from the list, of course, but don't ignore
books, clubs and other resources.
Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org


-----Original Message-----
From: 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 my questions from my
friends
here.

Again many thanks for all your very kind help.

Bernie

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Bernie: Try not to be so black and white in your approach to
bonsai knowledge. There is good information to be obtained in
bonsai books. And it is usually fairly well organized and with
photos and illustrations. Of course, there is poor information to
be found in bonsai books.
You can also find appallingly poor information in this
forum ... along with excellent advice. My point is that if you
want good bonsai information and education, you need to diversify
your approach. Learn from the list, of course, but don't ignore
books, clubs and other resources.
Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org


-----Original Message-----
From: 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 my questions from my
friends
here.

Again many thanks for all your very kind help.

Bernie

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Thank you Alan for your advice. I am open to gaining bonsai knowledge
from any sources I can find. However as I have said the trouble with
books seems to be that they all say something different. No two
authors seem to agree on anything!

Can I take the example of Koi keeping for instance. All Koi books will
advise you not to feed Koi over the winter months in an unheated pool.
All books state this because it is a known and accepted fact in
keeping Koi that if they are fed in winter the food may just rot, and
cause infections.

Now let us consider the bonsai books. When do you prune Juniper
Chinensis to shape. One book says winter, another says late summer,
another says autumn is best, yet another says anytime of year will do.

So what am I to beleive? Without consensus this gives me the
impression that as a complete beginner, that even experts don't even
know when to prune a tree which is supposed to be one of the easiest
for outdoor bonsai culture.

At least using a forum if someone tells me to feed my trees well over
the winter dormant period, I am sure lots of people will respond with
messages warning me this is bad advice.

This is why I will rather look to my friends on the forum to help and
advise me.

Can I again say that I am very encouraged by the offers of help and
advice I received here in a very short time. I have posted this
question on other forums days ago and nobody answered my question.

So again thank you very much to all the helpful members here. your
advice is very much welcome and appreciated. Without help at the
beginning, I am sure nobody would ever have advanced their bonsai
skills.

Thank you again,

Bernie

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


Well, I wouln't go THAT far. Books are good. The list is "good" too, but there are people with a WIDE range of experience here, and people who live all over the world. You need to get your advice from several sources, weigh it, and use what seems to be the best. Try to find a local bonsai club, then latch onto one of the more experienced members.

jim lewis - Tallahassee, FL (from N.C.)

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

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.


As with all trees, spring is the best time to do major work of any kind. Do major pruning then.
You should be able to do wiring most any time of the year -- including now. You can inch back new growth now.

Jim Lewis - Tallahassee, FL. (in N.C.)

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

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


Well, I wouln't go THAT far. Books are good. The list is "good" too, but there are people with a WIDE range of experience here, and people who live all over the world. You need to get your advice from several sources, weigh it, and use what seems to be
the best. Try to find a local bonsai club, then latch onto one of the more experienced members.

jim lewis - Tallahassee, FL (from N.C.)

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Bernie,

I guess you haven't gotten an answer for several reasons. The reasons include location and, age of material. The other that there are about as many methods as there are trees. Many say it is the only way to do things. Find the way of your specific pla
nt by being constantly observing on how it grows and the changes it makes.

You can wire and prune any time. Transplanting would be best just before the plant breaks dormancy wherever you live. Wiring during active growing season just means you have to watch the wires more carefully so they do not cut. A juniper never gets bar
e so waiting to wire has no good reason.

The intensity of pruning depends on the growth cycle. If you over prune a juniper, it may change the needle pattern. We call the spiky stuff imature growth where the nurseries I have been to call it mature growth.

So my advice would be to take the pruning slowly, study the growth pattern and always prune in a manner that leaves a growing tip. (not always necessary, but safest.)

Other than that you need to find someone in your area that can help you hands on.

Kitsune Miko



Bernie wrote:
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

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++


****
"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 +++++

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

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bernie"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 12:03 PM
Subject: [IBC] Shaping and Pruning Juniperus Chinensis


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


************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

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."

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
--
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

In a message dated 7/21/2004 12:03:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Bernie writes:

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.

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

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Chris Cochrane++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++