AusBonsai

I have a Juniper that I think will lend itself perfectly to a raft style... It has a single main trunk growing sideways with all of the foliage on top. I originally thought of wiring it to a semi-cascade or making a root over rock but thought it might also work as a raft as it has many branches growing up that could be developed over time in to new trunks. The main trunk at the moment is probably only the thickness of a pencil and about 20-25cm long.

When designing a raft, is it best to develop the main trunk first, then make the raft, or make the raft early and let the new roots develop to provide more nutrients to develop the new trunks?

Will post a pic of the current tree soon.

I would do the raft earlier to develop the new roots on the tree.

Ken

Keen to see these pics, ive had a fairly old procumbens that doesnt fit into any style, and for a long time have been considering a raft as well.

For some reason the pics wouldn't upload...

Will try again soon.

Helps if you resize

I'd set the raft now to encourage early roots to enhance the styling as well.
Judging by what i can make of the size I would prepare the raft before putting it in the ground to fatten up.
Once the raft has set and adequately rooted id select the vertical branches / trees you wish to develop and grow on.

This will be a lengthy process especially with a Juniper.

Thanks for the tips.

Is there an ideal/preferable season to set the raft?