How to Trim Juniper Trees

A healthy juniper will have feathery, evenly distributed evergreen foliage.

Junipers are evergreen plants that can vary in size from shrubs to tall trees. Pruning a juniper tree is an important part of its healthy growth, but it must be done correctly. If pruned incorrectly, the thick outside growth will block any growth on the inside, creating an unsightly dead zone in the middle of the plant. If pruned too severely, however, the dead zone will be exposed and new shoots will not develop to cover it up. Knowing how to prune juniper trees moderately and correctly will keep the trees attractive.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Saw

Instructions

1. Remove any dead, diseased or broken branches from the juniper tree year-round. Use pruning shears for any branches smaller than an inch in diameter and a small saw for branches larger than an inch.

2. Examine the tree in March or April. Look for the dead zone and identify branches in the live zone that could be completely removed to expose the inner part of the tree to light. If you are thinking of partially removing branches, there must be a green shoot near the cut on the branch or it will die. Carefully planning will make actual pruning easier.

3. Remove the branches. After you have cut a few branches, step back and examine the tree. Do not prune severely, creating gaping holes, because the plant is an evergreen and will not regenerate to fill the area. Prune only enough to allow the tree to breathe.

References

• University of Idaho: How to Prune Coniferous Evergreen Trees
• North Dakota State University Extension: Questions on Juniper