Juniper spreading or upright – Pruning, Winter Care and

These evergreens can be “tip pruned” in early spring to improve the plants shape and increase its density. A light shearing can be done, but in most cases hand pruning will leave the plant in better form and prolong its life. Pick pruning will extend the useful life of the plant by giving it a deeper “green” zone. This is done by removing a small section of branches from the outside layer of plant, allowing more light in and new buds to form on the inside. Entire branches can be removed, if needed, by lifting the branch up and pruning it back to the stem.

Young shrubs respond very well to fertilizing. Either granular, liquid or stake type fertilizers can be used. Granular fertilizers can be worked into the soil around the plant at a rate of 2 lbs or 2 pints per 100 square feet of planting bed. This method of fertilization should only be done once a year, and is best done in late fall after leaf drop, or in early spring before bud break. Multi Purpose 10-10-10 Fertilizer by Greenview works well.

Liquid fertilizers (such as Miracle Gro) are mixed with water and applied the same as you would water the plant (see product for specific details). This should be done three or four times per year starting in late April and ending in mid July. Stake type fertilizers can be used following the directions on the package. With any of the above techniques, a balanced mixture should be used; 20-20-20 or similar mix is a good choices. Organic fertilizers, like manure, can also be used with good results. The material should be worked into open soil at a rate of one bushel per 6’ of plant or 100 square feet of bed area. As a plant matures, less fertilizing will be needed.

These evergreens are susceptible to mouse damage over winter. Specifically, these mice will eat the bark off the stem of the plant harming it and in many cases, killing the plant. To control this, a product such as Bait Station should be set out under the evergreen in late fall. To reduce the rodent population, use a product that contains Zinc Phosphide. Care should be taken when using any pesticide or poison. Watering in late fall is very important for the winter health of any evergreen and should be done to young plants every year in early November. Even more mature plants can benefit from late season waterings, especially after a dry fall season.