Shimpaku Juniper - Pruning Question

[somegeek]

I picked up a Shimpaku starter yesterday at a local nursery and pruned the roots/wired in/potted and partially pruned last night to remove some of the under growth and long tips. I planted the trunk at a slight angle to eventually end up with an informal upright with layered pads. I want to prune more to get rid of it's large side shoots however I am a newbie at this and don't want to screw up what could be part of what I want in the long run. Should I hold off on pruning them? Wire them up? Appreciate any input.

[img]https://somegeek.home.comcast.net/somegeek_shimpaku_8_29_09_1.jpg[/img]

[img]https://somegeek.home.comcast.net/somegeek_shimpaku_8_29_09_2.jpg[/img]

[img]https://somegeek.home.comcast.net/somegeek_shimpaku_8_29_09_4.jpg[/img]

[img]https://somegeek.home.comcast.net/somegeek_shimpaku_8_29_09_3.jpg[/img]

This is the first bonsai I've potted like this so I am learning as I go here.

somegeek

[Gnome]

somegeek,

Good job with the Juniper. Isn't much more satisfying to create something like that rather than simply purchase one? You learned more and got a healthier plant for your effort.

As far as pruning, I think you have answered your own question.

I am a newbie at this and don't want to screw up what could be part of what I want in the long run. Should I hold off on pruning them?

Since you don't yet have a solid design plan pruning now might indeed be cause for some misgivings later. You would not be the first to prune in haste and regret at leisure. You can always prune more later after you have considered your options more thoroughly.

I hope you are keeping it outside.

Norm

[somegeek]

somegeek,

Good job with the Juniper. Isn't much more satisfying to create something like that rather than simply purchase one? You learned more and got a healthier plant for your effort.

Thanks, Norm. Yes - very much so!

As far as pruning, I think you have answered your own question.

I am a newbie at this and don't want to screw up what could be part of what I want in the long run. Should I hold off on pruning them?

Since you don't yet have a solid design plan pruning now might indeed be cause for some misgivings later. You would not be the first to prune in haste and regret at leisure. You can always prune more later after you have considered your options more thoroughly.

Thanks for the sanity check. I will start pondering a final form and plan to prune for it.

I hope you are keeping it outside. Norm

Yes - this will be kept outside in it's natural environment. We have a patio table out back we can see from our kitchen and living room. That will be a nice place for this plant to start out living for our enjoyment.

Thanks for the reply.

somegeek