Junipers are large trees that are mostly cultivated for their durable wood. This can be used to create frames, furniture, or similar objects. The trees also have beautiful foliage on them that makes them quite attractive when viewed from a distance. This is why people often think about planting trees inside their gardens. Not only will it look beautiful, but the tree also provides a lot of shade. Although, the large size of the tree is the main reason why tons of users avoid planting them.
This is where bonsai trees come in that are made by using a traditional Japanese cutting method. Junipers are one of the most popular options when growing these types of trees because of how gorgeous they look. But a common question that tons of users ask regarding junipers is “How to shape a juniper bonsai tree?”. If you are getting the same problem in your garden, then going through this article should help you in getting some relevant information regarding the query.
How To Shape A Juniper Bonsai Tree?
When shaping a juniper bonsai tree, people have to first decide which cutting technique should be used. Standard pruning requires people to cut the entire branch which helps in keeping the tree under control. This is quite easy and allows people to shape their plants exactly how they want them to look. However, if you try this with juniper trees then there are several problems that you can run into. Pruning an entire branch for a juniper tree will most likely kill all the surrounding branches along it.
Once this start growing back, the branches will grow in the same spot as they were before. If you leave any bare parts in your tree, then these will not grow any buds in that spot which destroys the plant. Keeping this in mind, a pinching technique should be used again which involves cutting the tip of the dead branches. This allows the surrounding branches to stay alive while also getting better growth. Regular pinching also allows the plant to breathe easily as most of the dead leaves are removed.
The process helps in shaping the juniper bonsai tree, but it takes a lot of time. This is why staying patient is important as the plant will gradually grow over the years. People should also note that junipers can also withstand aggressive pruning if done under optimal conditions. As long as people make sure that the tree is in its bloom time and that no parts are left bare, shaping the junipers can be a lot easier. Even after the plant has taken the shape you wanted, pinching it frequently can help in keeping it healthy. This promotes the growth of the tree as well as ensures that it can last people a long time.
Now that you understand all this, some users might notice that their juniper bonsai tree is not growing as quickly as they thought. Talking about this, the health status and conditions of your tree play a huge role in how it will grow out. Considering this, people should ensure that they keep their bonsai tree healthy by keeping it in a spot where it gets all the nutrients required. Junipers usually love being planted in a spot where they get access to sunlight for about 6 to 8 hours each day.
Other than this, the plant is drought-resistant, but it can still be better if the soil around it is kept moist. This allows the roots to breathe and consume the nutrients inside the soil. If people notice that the soil around their junipers is too dry, then adding a small amount of water as well as fertilizers should fix the issue. Make sure that these are added every month for the best results. In most cases, the nutrients inside fertilizers get consumed within 2 to 3 weeks after which they have to be used again.
Finally, one last thing that people should keep in mind regarding juniper bonsai trees is the pot these are planted in. The roots of the tree will gradually grow and with time these might fill the pot you have kept the tree in. Hence, the tree should be removed after every few years and its pot should be changed with a new one. Make sure that the excess roots are cut down so that the growth of your tree is kept in control.