How to Care for Juniper Evergreen Trees
Juniper trees attract landscapers and homeowners because of their versatility and hardiness. They tolerate drought, grazing animals, high winds and extreme heat. Being evergreens, they offer a spot of color even in the middle of winter. They also grow up to 15 feet without getting overly wide, 5 feet at the most, when planted close together. These characteristics make them a prime choice for topiaries and natural privacy fences. Juniper trees are also low maintenance. New gardeners and landscapers should have as much success growing and caring for their juniper trees as seasoned growers. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant your juniper trees in well-drained soil. Junipers with wet feet tend to mold or get root rot. Mix some sand gravel in with the soil before you plant your juniper. This keeps the soil from becoming tightly packed and allows the water to drain through.
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Choose a place for your juniper that offers at least partial sun. Trim back branches or move awnings and sun umbrellas that may put your juniper in full shade. For large, thick branches, use pruning shears to trim away enough growth to all your juniper to get dappled sun.
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Water your juniper well after the last frost when the ground thaws and when the plants become dormant before the ground freezes. Otherwise, water weekly during dry conditions and not at all during a season with regular rain. Water until the ground is wet but not squishy and wait until the ground is dry before watering again.
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Mulch around your juniper after watering in the spring and fall. This helps hold in moisture and protects the roots from the cold in the winter. You may also want to mulch during drought so your juniper needs water less frequently.
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References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
