Blue Pacific Junipers - Ask Extension
I can’t figure out this problem—please help. We put in a new walkway to the front door 2.5 years ago and planted 5 blue pacific junipers on each s...
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Blue Pacific Junipers #866749
Asked May 02, 2024, 10:50 AM EDT
I can’t figure out this problem—please help. We put in a new walkway to the front door 2.5 years ago and planted 5 blue pacific junipers on each side. One side is healthy and doing well. The other side is shown in the pictures. The three that are dead or dying have been replaced three times. All from different vendors, so it’s not the nursery stock. They are in full sun and have drip irrigation to them. I did an over-the-counter soil test and it showed the soil as being just slightly acidic. I did an application of Holly Tone . The two closest to the driveway died completely shortly thereafter. The one in the middle looks like half of the plant is now dying. If there is any correlation, we have one of five Knockout roses, in close proximity to the junipers also planted 2.5 years ago on drip irrigation with major portions dead. I have ruled out rose rosette virus. The other four roses look fine. Any suggestions on how to proceed?
Somerset County Maryland
Expert Response
We wonder if you are dealing with soil contamination from a long-acting herbicide. Do you know what was applied? It wouldn't be uncommon when laying a sidewalk or along cracks in a driveway.
For instance, it looks like there are dead/dying weeds in the driveway.
Some herbicides, especially in mixes that are labeled as 'Ground Clear' (lasts around 3 months) or "Roundup Dual Action 365 weed and grass killer", (thick print on label advertises "for use on driveways, patios, sidewalks and gravel areas....kills and prevents for 12 months") are not only long acting, but are able to travel either within soil or through drift or volatilization under certain circumstances.
The label on the 12-month product says that it can't be applied over the roots of desirable plants, or it could affect them too.
That could explain why all the plants you have tried (and the roses on the edge too) have browned out so completely.
Christine
For instance, it looks like there are dead/dying weeds in the driveway.
Some herbicides, especially in mixes that are labeled as 'Ground Clear' (lasts around 3 months) or "Roundup Dual Action 365 weed and grass killer", (thick print on label advertises "for use on driveways, patios, sidewalks and gravel areas....kills and prevents for 12 months") are not only long acting, but are able to travel either within soil or through drift or volatilization under certain circumstances.
The label on the 12-month product says that it can't be applied over the roots of desirable plants, or it could affect them too.
That could explain why all the plants you have tried (and the roses on the edge too) have browned out so completely.
Christine
