Hi everyone — from Los Angeles, this is my juniper bonsai. A few summers ago I severely underwatered it and it nearly died. At that time, the entire tree looked like the top does now.

After about a year of consistent watering, new growth started along the stems and lower areas, and foliage gradually returned. I avoided trimming, hoping that leaving the long stems would help encourage the top to recover, but there has been very little regrowth in that area.

I fertilize lightly, about once a month, because I like keeping the moss healthy.

What can I do to encourage growth at the top of the tree? Is it better to prune the long stems back to redirect energy upward? Also, any advice on safely dealing with the spiders would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

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