Knowledgebase
Scraggly junipers #832300
Asked May 27, 2023, 11:10 AM EDT
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