Hi all,
I have a shohin Rigida juniper.
Can I get the 101 on maintenance please.
Jeremy
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Do you have any photos to look at? It will help
There is videos in the library that will help 
https://live.bonsaimirai.com/library/filter/23/junipers
Take a look through these.
The topic does not need to be specific to the juniper species.
That’s a nice looking tree. The first question is what are you trying to achieve? If you are simply maintaining shape that is done in August with a prune back as far as you can on each branchlet but make sure there are new buds to grow before you prune. If there are weak areas or areas you want to grow leave them alone. Repotting can be done from late May through to August but will need winter protection. Obviously if you repot, don’t prune until re-established, which will be quicker if the foliage is left on the tree.
I use a mix of 2 1 1 (akadama pumice and kiryu) small particle size as it retains more water which Rigida love.
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Thank you Keith,
I want to open it up into pads so light gets in and stops die back internally.
So wait until it produces new shoots. Then once hardened off cut back.
Can I remove branches before that?
It is too solid, I want to break it up, open it up.
I have been successful with junipers in the past, but Rigida is new to me.
Jeremy
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If you aren’t planning to repot this year then wait until it’s energy positive before you remove branches. Don’t take off too much foliage and it will be ok. As with other junipers it gets its energy from the foliage. I think I can see where the pads will be and (just my assumption) it doesn’t look too severe. Post some phots when it’s done. I’d love to see it.