When's the Best Time to Prune a Juniper Bonsai?

[zewald]

I just got a new bonsai from the Home Depot, not the ideal venue, but it looked healthy and strong. I removed the glued on pebbles and have watered it every 2-3 days. its lookin pretty good, maybe a little lighter shade of green than when I bought it. (probably because I'm an extreme beginner to bonzais and have kept it indoors) its now outside, so I hope that it will continue to thrive. My question is this:

Is there an appropriate or inappropriate time to top prune?

[thesdbux]

I would say don't prune it till late summer early fall. Normally it would be Spring but then again you want this guy to recover from everything it has gone through.

[zewald]

thanks a lot I'll be sure to wait it out.

[Gnome]

zewald,

Please define what you mean by 'pruning'. New growth on Junipers is pinched, not cut, throughout the growing season to keep the foliage compact.

Norm

[kdodds]

As already stated, as long as the tree is growing, pinching can be done. Real pruning should only be done, to the best of my knowledge, during periods of very active growth (spring/summer).

[zewald]

hey, can u explain "pinch" pruning to me? I'm not exactly sure what that is, and I want this little guy to flourish, he's already got a great shape, I'll try to get some pics up as soon as I obtain a camera haha.

[Gnome]

Zach,

Pinching of Junipers is done to tender new growth in order to maintain the shape of the tree and encourage compact growth. Pinching is done with the fingers as opposed to more aggressive pruning of woody branches that would be done to make a substantial change to the structure of the tree.

Norm

[zewald]

and pinching can be done whenever? or again just during spring and summer?

[Gnome]

Zach,

Pinching is done during periods of active growth. No growth, no need to pinch.
https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Juniperus.html
https://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/blue-juniper.html

Norm

[zewald]

Thanks Norm,

You've been a great help, and the links are very educational. I really appreciate everything. I'll keep you updated on my little guy's progress.

Thanks, Zach