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I attached some pictures of a tree I got from the reject area of a local nursery last summer. It was very inexpensive but I think it looks nice, especially the base. The pictures were taken last summer. Does anyone know what type of tree it is? Also, do you have any styling ideas? There is a very large dead branch on the back that starts at the base and angles upwards. The pot is about 16" across if that helps with the size of it. I definitely am going to encourage some growth across the front and trim the side branches in so it isn't so wide.

Thank you!

Valerie

Hi Valerie,
Welcome to the forum.
I'm not 100% on this, but it looks like some type of juniper.
Where are you located?
It looks like one half of the tree is naked. If it is a juniper those branches won't produce foliage. I would consider windswept or literati style for this tree.

Hello Pinkham,

Thank you for your ideas! I live in Western NY state, USA. This picture was taken when it was nice and sunny out last summer. I was out looking at the juniper today to check on it, and it still looks the same as it did in the picture. I will look into more about the literati and the windswept styles. I am very new to bonsai and trying to prune some trees, and grow some trees. I think I have developed an addictive habit, but a good one! I am excited for the future of this tree. I appreciate any advice as I don't know what type of soil it should be in, how much it should be watered, even though I look those things up there is so much information it's tough to pin down the right info. So I was glad to find bonsai empire on facebook.

I really like the roots of this tree and I want to balance the top with the roots somehow. Again, thank you for your input.

Get to know the tree before you do any work.
As for soil,There are many many many recipes. It would be easier to go to a nursery in your area and buy some.
Watering..Poke a chop stick in the soil for a few minutes. If it comes out damp, don't water the tree. If it's dry...water it.
When you re-pot this tree don't reduce the root ball more than 30%, and don't cut off more than 30% of the foliage.
After a re-pot don't fertilize it until you see new growth, and keep it out of direct sunlight for a few weeks.

Hi,

It looks like a Juniperus Virginiana

Really nice material, yup it's a juniper!

Keep us posted, when you're going to style this tree! Good luck!

Thanks everyone!! It's definitely a juniper then. I think I'm going to try to make it to a meeting of the bonsai club in Buffalo sometime in April or May, and I'm going to take this tree there. I've done very little wiring (though an awful lot of tree collecting!) and styling on my own and would like some guidance, especially since this one is so big and neat looking. I'll post pictures after I go.