Medora Junipers Dropping Brown Leaves and Losing Fullness - Ask Extension
Hello! I am looking for some answers for my Medora Junipers. The base of the trees have been browning and dropping needles, they used to be full and...
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Medora Junipers Dropping Brown Leaves and Losing Fullness #875830
Asked July 03, 2024, 2:38 PM EDT
Hello!
I am looking for some answers for my Medora Junipers. The base of the trees have been browning and dropping needles, they used to be full and we could not see through to the back of the fence. This mostly seems to be happening below the 6 foot fence. But elsewhere on the trees, they seem to be thriving, there is new growth, height and berries. Do you know what is going on and what can be done to help my trees?
Thank you and Happy 4th!Annie Frio
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Annie!
Sorry to hear about your medora junipers. How are they irrigated? Was the irrigation increased during the hot weather we had recently? What is the irrigation schedule? Is the fence a recent installation, how long ago was it installed? Is the fence to the south, north, east, or west of the junipers?
Look forward to your response,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Sorry to hear about your medora junipers. How are they irrigated? Was the irrigation increased during the hot weather we had recently? What is the irrigation schedule? Is the fence a recent installation, how long ago was it installed? Is the fence to the south, north, east, or west of the junipers?
Look forward to your response,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Wow, thanks for your quick response!
We had changed up the watering from drip irrigation to soaker hose. Maybe we have been under watering thinking we have been watering enough? I have been heavily soaking the trees daily since I received your email and will continue to do so to maybe catch them up on water? Should I possibly add some kind of fertilizer?
The fence is to the east of the trees and has been there before the trees were planted.
I was afraid there was some kind of disease going around.
Thank you again, Master Gardener!
-Annie
Hi Annie,
I think we're on the right track. Junipers like full sun and good drainage and don't tolerate overwater which could lead to fungal disease problems. Typically, you don't have to fertilize Junipers if all cultural conditions are met.
Here is some more information on cultural requirements:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c211
Here is another fact sheet from the USDA on Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain Juniper.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER (usda.gov)
Fertilizer options for young trees:
Using Fertilizer Tablets: Growing Great Trees, Part 3 (youtube.com)
I think we're on the right track. Junipers like full sun and good drainage and don't tolerate overwater which could lead to fungal disease problems. Typically, you don't have to fertilize Junipers if all cultural conditions are met.
Here is some more information on cultural requirements:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c211
Here is another fact sheet from the USDA on Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain Juniper.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER (usda.gov)
Fertilizer options for young trees:
Using Fertilizer Tablets: Growing Great Trees, Part 3 (youtube.com)
