Savin juniper (juniperus Sabina) before the work. The styling of the tree presented two principal problems. The first was the exceptionally thin base, just 5 cm, which seemed almost ridiculous in comparison to the widest part of the trunk which measured almost 20 cm. Another problem was the straight section of trunk which ran from the first curve to the base of the crown. This section also seemed very thin in comparison with the area around the main curve.

Detail of the thin base. This tree has no nebari.

In order to solve the problem of the nebari the planting position was modified so that the widest part of the trunk could be placed in contact with the earth, in this way a great nebari could be formed.

The rigidity and excessive length of the central part of the trunk was solved by separating the living vein from the dead wood along the section which was to be bent. In this way the crown could be raised and a curve added to the central part of the trunk. This photo is from March, 2001, one season after the demonstration. The picture was taken during the process of planting with the root mass wrapped up in cloth. The repotting process looked like it was going to be complicated as the root mass had to be placed below the trunk.

Inside the root mass there was a part of the trunk which wouldn't have let us plant as planned. The operation was very risky as the dead wood had to be removed from the main root so that this could be wrapped in raffia and bent in order that the tree could be correctly planted.

At last, with the help of the raffia, wires and blocks of wood I was able to plant the tree and completely immobilise it.

After the work. All that effort was worth it.