Deadwood Shari Development

To care for a juniper bonsai after cleaning deadwood and exposing the live vein, the primary goals are to reduce stress on the tree and protect the new wood

Immediate aftercare

• Move to a shaded area: Place the juniper in a protected, shadier spot for several weeks. This lowers the need for water and reduces stress on the tree as it recovers from the work.

• Prevent drying out: Keep a close eye on your tree's water needs. The fresh cuts and exposed wood can cause the tree to lose moisture more quickly. Ensure the soil does not dry out completely.

• Increase humidity: To further aid recovery, consider increasing the humidity around the foliage. You can do this by misting the foliage or by using a humidity tray. This is especially important for junipers, which can absorb moisture through their foliage.

• Check the root system: If you combined the deadwood work with a repotting, check that the new soil is not waterlogged. The roots need oxygen to recover.

• Be patient: Allow the juniper a recovery period of at least a few weeks before returning it to its normal, sunnier location. Avoid further stressful activities like heavy pruning or wiring during this time. 

Deadwood preservation

• Allow wood to dry: Wait for the newly cleaned deadwood to dry thoroughly before applying a preservative. If the wood is still wet with sap, the preservative will not absorb or bind properly. Weathering it for a year is a common practice.

• Apply lime-sulfur: After the wood is dry, apply a solution of lime-sulfur to preserve it and achieve the characteristic white, weathered appearance.

  • Wear protective gloves and eye protection.

  • Work in a well-ventilated area due to the strong odor.

  • Use a fine brush to apply the lime-sulfur to the dry deadwood, avoiding the live vein and the pot.

• Reapply annually: Lime-sulfur fades over time. Reapply it once a year to maintain the bleached look and continue preserving the wood.