G, day Glenn glad you did not suffer to greatly in the fires.I prefer procumbens to squamata.
With procumbens it is a matter of picking of the dead needles before it get to the leggy stage. Thinning about once every three years. Then building up the pads.There is one of mine here in the trees for critique. After this site came back on line.
What I have found is that they are susceptible to a fungal attack called Phoma. It will not kill the tree but will weaken it. So it is then attacked by insect pests. to get rid of it use Mancozeb + or a copper sulphide spray.
It shows up by distorting the new growth tips, it looks like you have cut the new growth all the time.
I have found they do form the pads you desire as easily as squamata.
They are a little sharper to the touch. Nana is the better of the two.
I hope this helps you in some way. Pup
