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Scraggly junipers #832300

Asked May 27, 2023, 11:10 AM EDT

There are 5 Taylor Junipers extending East from the SE corner of my house. The one closest to the house is the tallest and quite full. The other 4 are thin. All 5 were planted in the summer of 2020. The first 2 winters they were sprayed with Wilt stop and wrapped with burlap in late fall/early winter. This past winter they did not get that treatment or wrapping. The branches on the 4 thin ones are definitely more wide/loose as a result of some heavy snows/ice on the branches, but they were looking more “scraggly” compared to the other one before this winter. I’m looking for direction as to what could be the cause of the 4 not looking as nice as the other one and what can I do to help them? Thank you!

Blue Earth County Minnesota

Expert Response

There are a couple of factors here that may be in play. 

First - notice that the healthiest and fullest juniper is the one closest to your house. It is in a more protected area. It may also get less direct winter sun and more water. keep this in mind when watering. They look like they are getting a lot of direct winter sun. 

Second - winter protection is important. The Wiltstop is actually ineffective. When wrapping the junipers be sure not to wrap them too tight. They need air circulation to stay healthy. Winter injury usually happens on the sides most exposed to winter sun and wind.

Below is a good article on how to care for your evergreens and has good info on winter injury. Be sure you are watering them well into the fall - until the ground freezes. Water well, especially in a drought, but don’t stress them by overwatering if we have rain.

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/winter-protection-plants

Deb Reierson Replied May 29, 2023, 1:23 PM EDT

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