Tops of junipers are suddenly dying - Ask Extension
We planted about 10 junipers near a wooden fence to give us privacy in Fort Collins, CO . They have struggled for close to 10 years. I had some maste...
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Tops of junipers are suddenly dying #867035
Asked May 04, 2024, 4:40 PM EDT
We planted about 10 junipers near a wooden fence to give us privacy in Fort Collins, CO . They have struggled for close to 10 years. I had some master gardeners come in the past, and they didn’t give me much advice, but they thought the trees were doing ok. Suddenly a few weeks ago I noticed several were turning brown from the top and it is spreading downward. They are most likely dying, and these trees were doing the best in the past! It is SO sad! Can you give me any advice.? Should I cut the dead parts off? From what I have read , this may be a fungus. Thank you!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for your email and for your photos. I coordinate the Master Gardener program and I'm sorry that you didn't find their information to be very useful for your overall concerns.
In general, junipers are a slower growing species. Their overall size looks good, especially if they aren't receiving regular irrigation. A couple thing to consider to improve their health would be to remove the grass below the trees so you reduce the competition. Grass will compete with the junipers for water and nutrients, so if you want the junipers to have the advantage, remove the grass. You can then add wood mulch or something below the junipers to keep the grass from growing underneath.
As for the browning, it would be unusual to have a fungus this time of year. To clarify, were they were green up until recently? There wasn't any sign of decline last summer or fall?
Have you looked at the trees closely to see if you notice any damage, like chewing? Look both at the base of the trees and at the top where it's brown. Sometimes we see feeding from voles or mice during the winter, which would cause browning.
Are the junipers planted at the proper depth? Do you see a flare at the base? Any additional photos would be helpful. Thanks!
Thanks for your email and for your photos. I coordinate the Master Gardener program and I'm sorry that you didn't find their information to be very useful for your overall concerns.
In general, junipers are a slower growing species. Their overall size looks good, especially if they aren't receiving regular irrigation. A couple thing to consider to improve their health would be to remove the grass below the trees so you reduce the competition. Grass will compete with the junipers for water and nutrients, so if you want the junipers to have the advantage, remove the grass. You can then add wood mulch or something below the junipers to keep the grass from growing underneath.
As for the browning, it would be unusual to have a fungus this time of year. To clarify, were they were green up until recently? There wasn't any sign of decline last summer or fall?
Have you looked at the trees closely to see if you notice any damage, like chewing? Look both at the base of the trees and at the top where it's brown. Sometimes we see feeding from voles or mice during the winter, which would cause browning.
Are the junipers planted at the proper depth? Do you see a flare at the base? Any additional photos would be helpful. Thanks!
