How to Split California Juniper Branches for Bonsai

Junipers are a perfect choice for bonsai. The rugged evergreen bushes respond well to pruning and training and have a natural shape that works well with the rules of bonsai balance. The wood on junipers is very hard, however, which makes it difficult to split and shape. California bonsai shaping should be done when the plant is dormant in winter. Actively growing plants could become stressed if split, and might be exposed to pathogens. Dormant junipers do not have sap running, so a split branch will not cause the living, green tissue any damage. You will need the proper bonsai tools to split and move a branch.

Trunk splitter
Raffia
6 mm wire
Wire cutters

Instructions

- 1
  Chose the branch on your bonsai carefully. You are trying to perform a balance on the tree and give it an interesting shape from any angle. Make sure the branch has healthy bark and foliage. Splitting will not work on a dead or unhealthy branch.
- 2
  Use trunk splitters, which are like wide pinchers with sharp edges. Insert the splitters at the terminal end of the branch and clamp down at the center of the branch. Move the splitters upward slightly and slowly, as the branch splits vertically.
- 3
  Use your hands to gently pull apart the branch. Cease using the splitter about three-quarters of the way up the branch to prevent splitting into the trunk. Don't jerk the two pieces of branch apart, but exert steady pressure.
- 4
  Pull the branch you are moving into position gently. Wrap the split branches in raffia to conserve moisture and keep them from exposure. Cut a length of wire that is nearly twice the length of the branch.
- 5
  Wire the branch by coiling the wire lightly around it and continuing onto a neighboring branch. Pull it slowly into position as it is wired. Secure the wire with a twist at the end.

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