Trimming Wichita Blue Juniper. - Ask Extension
I have a Wichita Blue Juniper that is 9 years old and doing well. However, due to winter and wind it has grow out of shape and looks wild and not sym...
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Trimming Wichita Blue Juniper. #871430
Asked June 03, 2024, 9:16 PM EDT
I have a Wichita Blue Juniper that is 9 years old and doing well. However, due to winter and wind it has grow out of shape and looks wild and not symmetrical. Can I trim/prune it to bring into a nice shape? If so, is there a limit to the amount that can be removed?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hmm. Your photo is definitely not of your juniper. A photo would be helpful.
Generally speaking, pruning evergreens is not as effective as pruning deciduous plants. They don't respond to "training" very well. Their shape is their shape, and it is better to pick a plant with the correct shape and size at the outset instead of trying to make a plant be something it is not.
All that said, junipers are one kind of evergreen that can be pruned, although I'd never expect a "nice shape". And never prune back to bare wood. It won't fill in. Read here:
https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/pruning-evergreens.pdf
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#evergreens-1336764
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/pruning-evergreens/
Generally speaking, pruning evergreens is not as effective as pruning deciduous plants. They don't respond to "training" very well. Their shape is their shape, and it is better to pick a plant with the correct shape and size at the outset instead of trying to make a plant be something it is not.
All that said, junipers are one kind of evergreen that can be pruned, although I'd never expect a "nice shape". And never prune back to bare wood. It won't fill in. Read here:
https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/pruning-evergreens.pdf
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#evergreens-1336764
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/pruning-evergreens/
