Knowledgebase

Can.a Floppy Skyrocket Juniper be Fixed? #936575

Asked June 23, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT

A heavy snow caused the branches to spread and droop. Can anything be done to help the branches return to upright? Would wrapping a loop of corrugated paper tree wrap at intervals like every 2 feet help? I envision once around, then move up 2 feet and go once around again. Any harm in that? Thanks!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Ellen,

If you’re asking whether to use tree wrap to protect the shrub in winter I would use burlap instead.

The juniper has a good shape. You can reduce snow load problems by judicious pruning of some of the branches. You should use hand pruners and wear gloves. Pruning the branch tips back to a shoot that grows up will help. You want to maintain the shape, with the bottom of the shrub wider than the top. Prune only into active growth; if you cut back too far the juniper won’t recover.

This is a good guide:

https://libanswers.nybg.org/faq/222774

I hope this helps. Thanks.

MJ Replied June 24, 2026, 8:26 AM EDT
Thanks! I never thought of trimming it. The article was helpful. 

I’ll use burlap for the winter—what I should have done last year.

What I meant about the corrugated paper tree wrap is use it as a way to tie up the floppy branches that would be gentler than twine. Encircle the tree— once around toward bottom then move up 2 feet, once around and move up 2 feet higher and so forth. But I don’t want to harm the tree . . .

Thanks,

Ellen


Ellen Shriner
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wordsisters.wordpress.com


On Jun 24, 2026, at 7:26 AM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2026, 8:40 PM EDT

Hi Ellen,

Restrained pruning should help with snow load. It’s all the odd bits sticking out that tend to get bent.

If you wrap with burlap start at the bottom of the juniper and work your way up. This is a good quick video on doing this:

?si=zCyXAys5z3ij_2-5

If you think the juniper is splitting the best internal bracing for branches should be soft and flexible. Old pantyhose are great for this, or you can buy tree cord for that purpose.

Good luck.



MJ Replied June 25, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT

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