Juniper neglect help

Hey everyone,

My friend just dropped me off a tree that a family member left him, knowing I know a few things about bonsai.
I was just wondering if anyone had tips on what to do with a tree that you have no care history for.

Seems like there's a few small branches that have died. But apart from that everything looks good.
i'm thinking a potential repot just to see the root status my be useful

Anhow, any tips are appreciated.




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It is a juniper. The soil looks pretty bad and it should be repotted into a granular, fast-draining soil. Until then, however, water carefully. Let it get fairly dry between watering. The tree should always be outside.

The top growth isn't great, but it doesn't look too bad either. I don't think you'll have a problem keeping it alive, unless there is some hidden infection or chronic pest problem. However, the odd, curly top growth could be the result of an insect problem, so I would quarantine this plant until you can be sure it isn't or resolve it. The pot seems severely undersized and soil too finely grained. I would repot it into a colander with some coarse soil for a couple years, only trimming back foliage runners. With some nursing and luck, you might have a nice specimen here.