Junipers turning brown - Ask Extension
My juniper bushes have a growing amount of brown on them. They are about 6 years old and have never looked this way before. Is intervention needed?
Knowledgebase
Junipers turning brown #874695
Asked June 25, 2024, 7:07 PM EDT
My juniper bushes have a growing amount of brown on them. They are about 6 years old and have never looked this way before. Is intervention needed?
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
This looks like a fungal blight. You will want to prune off the dead twigs going about 2 inches into healthy wood. Burn or bury these twigs, or put them into the trash. You want to choose a dry day for this when the plant foliage is completely dry and humidity is low. Sterilize the pruners with rubbing alcohol between cuts. Make sure to water only the roots of these trees- avoid wetting the foliage or brushing up against the foliage when they are wet. There are some fungicides that are labeled for twig blight on junipers, and these should be applied in the early spring. Read more about juniper blight here: http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/junipertipblight.pdf
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth