Sick Juniperus scopulorum “Woodward” - Ask Extension
My Spruce is dropping needles like crazy. It’s to the point that you can see the truck and some of the branches are bare. We had a bad hail storm (G...
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Sick Juniperus scopulorum “Woodward” #877979
Asked July 19, 2024, 8:07 PM EDT
My Spruce is dropping needles like crazy. It’s to the point that you can see the truck and some of the branches are bare. We had a bad hail storm (Golf Ball size) about a month ago. I do see some sap and possible some canker sores on a couple of branches but not sure if that is where a branch broke off. What can I do to save my trees?
Adams County Colorado
Expert Response
My Juniper is dropping needles like crazy. It’s to the point that you can see the truck and some of the branches are bare. We had a bad hail storm (Golf Ball size) about a month ago. I do see some sap and possible some canker sores on a couple of branches but not sure if that is where a branch broke off. What can I do to save my trees?
Eva,
Thank you for your question. This is a columnar spruce, not a juniper (so your original query was correct). A woodward juniper would have a very different needle and form.
When was this tree planted? If it was planted this year it could be a result of transplant shock. Ensure the soil is watered well, but dries out in between irrigation events. Make sure the tree is not planted deeply. The first true root should be 1" above the soil, and there should not be branches near the soil line.
It is very possible that the hail damaged some parts of the tree, but with good cultural care you have enough of the tree still alive that you should be able to bring it back.
Let me know if you have additional questions,
Thank you for your question. This is a columnar spruce, not a juniper (so your original query was correct). A woodward juniper would have a very different needle and form.
When was this tree planted? If it was planted this year it could be a result of transplant shock. Ensure the soil is watered well, but dries out in between irrigation events. Make sure the tree is not planted deeply. The first true root should be 1" above the soil, and there should not be branches near the soil line.
It is very possible that the hail damaged some parts of the tree, but with good cultural care you have enough of the tree still alive that you should be able to bring it back.
Let me know if you have additional questions,
