Transforming my Grocery Store Juniper Bonsai Tree

I recount the advice I gave in my first video about how to keep a juniper (Juniperous procumbens) bonsai tree alive, including taking back my advice to not buy these trees (I've had a change of heart). I report on how well I've followed my own advice over the last two months, and give my juniper bonsai tree its first styling.
I wasn't too impressed with this "mallsai" when I first bought it (my original goal was simply to see if I could keep it alive, since so many others struggle to do so). But after studying the tree over the last couple months, I came up with an idea for transforming it into a tree that I sincerely like; I begin that transformation in this video.

[@n8tyler]

Excellent point about not being disparaging...Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder...Excellent advise concerning watering, transitioning and waiting to prune until you know the tree is healthy...Excellent background music...Thanks for sharing...Sequim, WA...

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Thank you as always for your kind words, I appreciate the encouragement. Best.

[@ciromiguel5392]

Excellent. Just yesterday I bought a tree like yours and I was already regretting my decision. Thanks for convincing myself

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Glad you found the video! I hope you can turn your tree into something you like. Here's another video that might inspire you, Ryan Neil working on his first bonsai tree that he got when he was 12 years old: ruclips.net/video/LduXqbCF-DI/видео.htmlsi=zuNiFqEsDL1yCTPQ

[@danielfonseca5007]

Nothing wrong with the little juniper, the only reason they die so frequently is poor care. Super versatile in terms of what can be done with them. The informal upright would have been my choice, but it also could have been a very dramatic cascade if tipping it all the way to the left. Or a twisted upright with the long whip pulled down as sashieda. So many choices. Great little tree, with a nicely tapering trunk, heaps of branch choice. The Jin you made look spot on and very good pruning choices. Once you start feeding in spring the growth will take off giving you more wood, will just keep getting better and better. Keep the content coming!

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Thanks! Yes, I have sincerely had a change of heart for this tree - I didn't see the potential when I first bought it but after studying it for awhile I saw what I could do with it, and now like it much better after this first styling. You're right that it could have been styled many different ways - indeed versatile. I'm excited to see how this tree develops, the plan is to let it grow for awhile. Still undecided whether I'll repot into bonsai substrate come spring.

[@frederickdominguez4829]

I think buying trees that are already dead could also be discouraging.

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Ha, good point. That's one reason that I recommended in my first video that beginners not buy these 'mallsai' junipers. I think they are occasionally not sold in great health, either from poor aftercare, water and/or lighting.
So I guess I need to qualify my statement: there's nothing wrong with starting with these beginner juniper bonsai trees - as long as you buy a tree in good health. However, a beginner might not know what a healthy juniper should look like...so it can be a gamble...

[@frederickdominguez4829]

@@BonsaiNorthwest it's a dice roll. Honestly I've killed alot of trees along the learning road. At one time I thought I was a serial tree killer. Hah. I think like you mentioned, they can turn into nice little trees. Thanks for sharing by the way.

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

@@frederickdominguez4829 You're not alone - I've killed plenty of trees. Thanks for watching and commenting. Best.

[@rb89362]

I love the transformation. Great job!

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

@@rb89362 Thank you!

[@raymondbirds2392]

Lovely job

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Thank you!

[@AlexBraunton]

Looks great! Nice video

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Thank you!