Bonsai Tree

Step One Clean Up   It will be impossible to make any effective decisions about the styling of the tree until is possible to ascertain what the existing  trunk shape and branch placement is.  The first task is, therefore, to clean up the tree.  Start by removing the bamboo stake and then begin cleaning out all dead needles and other debris from the interior of the tree.  One of the things which make junipers good mate- rial for bonsai is they readily develop new growth on old wood.  This is a good characteristic for any bonsai subject to have.  However, initially a great deal of this rampant budding along the trunk must be removed in order to see the trees shape.  Start at the bottom of the tree and begin removing green buds and suckers which obstruct your view of the trunk.  At the same time remove green growth from the interior of each branch an inch or so thus allowing you to see the position of each branch as it relates to the trunk. Once you have completed this task you will b