- 1). Prune junipers in winter before they begin growing in spring. Cut off only the tips of branches of vertically growing junipers with pruning shears to shape them, if necessary. Keep low-growing junipers from spreading too wide by cutting off the longest branches at their base rather than their tips. Use a pruning saw or shears.
- 2). Cut off brown tips of branches with pruning shears, if you notice the tips dying. Dip shears in rubbing alcohol or a 10-percent solution of bleach before and after cutting to disinfect them, since dead tips may be a result of disease, though they may also be caused by a cold winter. According to the article "Juniper Diseases and Insect Pests," published by Clemson Cooperative Extension, pruning will usually control the diseases that cause dead tips unless the variety of juniper is unusually susceptible.
- 3). Spread a 1/2-inch layer of compost on the soil around junipers, or apply slow-acting fertilizer according to label directions each spring for the first two to three years.
- 4). Pull weeds from around junipers, or apply a layer of mulch to prevent weeds from growing.
- 5). Inspect junipers for brown, round 2-inch balls in summer. These galls are a sign of cedar apple rust. Prune out galls and burn or discard them if you see them.
- 6). Spread a layer of straw, bark chips or other mulch around the base of junipers in the fall if you live in a location where the ground freezes hard in winter.
- 7). Inspect junipers in winter and early spring for 2-inch-long nests of bagworm eggs. Remove them and destroy them before the caterpillars hatch in late spring.
previous post