How do you care for newly planted junipers?
Junipers need little to no pruning so that plants retain their natural form. In early spring, cut out any dead branches, trim back errant growth and lightly shape as needed. Keep up with light pruning as young plants grow to keep them compact and healthy.
When should junipers be planted?
Juniper is ideally planted in fall to ensure root growth and thus proper settling in in spring. However, you can also plant in spring and water a bit more at the beginning. Note that juniper tolerates virtually all types of soil, and behaves exactly the same whether conditions are moist or during a full-blown drought.
How do you plant junipers?
Junipers are usually planted from nursery-grown containers, although larger specimens may be available as ball-and-burlap plants. Dig a hole roughly 1.5 times the width and the same depth as the pot. Gently remove the plant from its pot. Check the outside and bottom of the root ball for circling roots.
How often should you water newly planted junipers?
twice a week
Water newly planted junipers twice a week when there is no rainfall for the first two months. Junipers need weekly watering for the first summer to develop an extensive root system. After the first summer, most junipers can rely on natural rainfall and fog for moisture.
How do you keep junipers healthy?
Junipers need air flow to avoid fungal disorders, so cleaning up around the shrubs and pruning out any dead wood is important. It is also important to keep branches dry during warmer weather, so avoid overhead water or watering too often during the summer.
Do junipers need a lot of sun?
Plant juniper shrubs in a location with full sun or light shade. When they get too much shade, the branches spread apart in an effort to let more sunlight in, and the damage to their shape can’t be repaired. Junipers grow in any type of soil as long as it is well-drained.
How do you fertilize junipers?
Fertilize the juniper annually in early spring with a complete, slow-release fertilizer with a formulation such as 12-4-8 or 16-4-8. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the juniper at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet just before it rains or water it thoroughly after applying the fertilizer.
Are junipers easy to grow?
Juniper is low maintenance and easy to grow. The plants need full sun and a well drained soil. These drought tolerant plants do not like wet soil. They can suffer, if over watered.
Can you plant juniper in shade?
Common juniper (Juniperus communis) and single seed juniper (Juniperus squamata) can tolerate partial shade even in cool-summer areas, but should never be planted in dense shade. Common juniper grows in USDA zones 4 through 8.