
How do you prune a Blue Point Juniper Tree?
Other than for shaping, you may want to prune your Blue Point Juniper of some wayward branches. By pruning the top ends of the tree’s branches, you will encourage sideways growth. This growth will eventually give your Blue Point Juniper a denser and wider appearance.
How big does a Blue Point Juniper get?
(I live in Zone 7) "Blue Point" is listed as growing to 7 to 8 feet but does indeed grow larger as you have discovered. Junipers can certainly be pruned, but unfortunately there is no way to discourage new growth by pruning. They are vigorous plants! Cutting the leader will encourage additional leaders to form.
When should I trim my junipers?
[2] Junipers can be trimmed any time from spring until the first freeze of the year. Do not trim new growth during the summer. When working with the tree, be careful not to cut the new growth growing from the junctions. The new growth will be soft, light green, and pliable compared to the hardwood of the old growth.
When should I fertilize my Blue Point Juniper?
As a general rule though, feeding your tree annually will benefit its overall health and hardiness. Fertilizing will also encourage stronger and more rapid growth from your Blue Point Juniper. Early in the spring is the best time to fertilizer your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’.

How do you keep a blue point juniper short?
Upright juniper pruning can help a shrub that is losing its shape. You'll need to start selectively pruning a juniper bush by trimming back each branch's terminal tip. This will reduce the length and weight of the branch, making it less likely to pull out from the trunk.
Can overgrown junipers be cut back?
Junipers and arborvitae generally need little to no pruning. They may be pruned anytime except during sub-zero weather. The best time is early spring prior to new growth. The best pruning method is to cut individual branches back to an upward growing side branch.
Can a blue point juniper be kept small?
The Blue Point Juniper is easily trimmed to control its width and maintain a more formal conical shape, or to develop it as a hedge. Trim as frequently as needed, between late spring and early fall, using sharp tools. Remove small amounts when young, to develop the best and densest form.
How much can I cut back a juniper?
The best time to prune juniper is before new growth begins in late winter or early spring. Aside from removing dead or damaged limbs, only prune if a juniper has become oddly shaped or you want to limit its size. Never prune away more than a quarter of the plant. Junipers grow slowly, so trim lightly.
Can you cut the top off a juniper?
All junipers have dead zones at their center so severe pruning, including topping, is never a good idea. Instead, prune lightly and regularly, just before new growth begins in spring. The key to pruning juniper is to leave areas with dormant bud on each branch you trim.
What time of year do you trim junipers?
The best time to prune junipers is late winter and early spring just before growth begins. However, because junipers are usually very vigorous, they can be pruned almost any time. You can prune them now with little harmful effect on the tree.
How do you keep junipers small?
The tips of branches can be pruned each year to keep plants in check and induces a smaller, more compact plant. That said, if you provide enough space for a juniper to grow to it's mature size, no pruning is necessary.
How tall does a juniper blue Point get?
12 feet tallLook no further with the Blue Point Juniper. Enjoy this juniper's blue-green foliage year-round. It will reach heights of up to 12 feet tall and get can get as wide as 6-8 feet.
Can you cut the top off blue Arrow juniper?
Blue Point junipers are known for keeping their shape and tall, narrow form. However, these trees may require trimming or pruning from time to time to keep wayward branches in check. Pruning the tops of the branches also fosters sideways growth, resulting in a denser and broader plant.
What can I do with overgrown junipers?
While overgrown juniper pruning has its limits, it is possible to trim your plant down to a more manageable shape. One good place to start is the removal of any dead or leafless branches– these can be cut off at the trunk. You can also remove any branches that are overlapping or sticking out too far.
How do you shape an overgrown juniper?
0:084:05How to Prune Juniper Plant Types in Summer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSix to eight inches from where you prune that plant is where the new growth is going to startMoreSix to eight inches from where you prune that plant is where the new growth is going to start thickening up instead of one spike coming out you'll have two smaller spikes.
Can you trim juniper in the winter?
Pruning juniper in winter should be avoided, but you can remove broken, dead or diseased branches at any time of the year. If you want to shear junipers to create shapes, this can be done in the late spring and early summer. Try pruning just one branch at a time, though, as opposed to shearing evergreens.
How do you get rid of overgrown junipers?
How to Kill a Juniper BushUse a Chainsaw to Cut the Bush Down. Cut the bush down to ground level using a chain saw or ax. ... Saturate the Ground Surrounding the Stump. ... Create Trenches Along the Root Line. ... Remove the Stump. ... Eliminate the Bush's Roots. ... Replace the Dirt.
How do you prune tall junipers?
0:292:26How to Prune Upright Juniper : Grow Guru - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo my first method is just take a good quality pair of pruning shears and follow each branch down toMoreSo my first method is just take a good quality pair of pruning shears and follow each branch down to where you want it to meet the rest of the plant.
How do you trim severely overgrown bushes?
Using pruners or a pruning saw, you'll cut each of the heaviest stems as close to the ground as possible. This method of managing large shrubs stimulates the plant to produce new growth just below the pruning cut, close to the ground. If you just trim the tops of the shrubs, they will grow even leggier and taller.
How do I bring my junipers back to life?
1:513:33How to Revive a Juniper - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut back over long branches. And those that look unattractive or are partially dead make each cutMoreCut back over long branches. And those that look unattractive or are partially dead make each cut about 1/4 inch above an outward facing green chute.
How cold does a blue point juniper get?
They are not bothered about extremely hot or cold temperatures. In fact, they are hardy in temperatures as low as -34°C (-30°F).
What diseases are harmful to Juniperus chinensis?
These issues may include root rot, Kabatina blight, or even Phomopsis blights. These diseases are harmful to your Blue Point Juniper and will not just affect its foliage.
How tall does a blue point juniper tree grow?
In its natural habitat on hillsides or in rocky places, the Blue Point Juniper would develop into a large tree. It could grow to staggering heights of around 18m (60ft). Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ grown nowadays grow rather steadily. With new growth of roughly 30cm to 38cm (12in to 15in) each year.
What type of soil does a blue point juniper like?
Soil. The Blue Point Juniper is super easy-going and adapts well to a variety of different types of soil. The only soil feature that is an absolute no-go for this tree is poor drainage. Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ can tolerate its fair share of poor soils. It will even thrive in the most unlikely type of soil.
Why is Juniperus blue point important?
Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ is not only a great addition because of its vibrant coloring, but it also has a practical use too. These trees are effective in aiding erosion control. They are also resistant to deer and smog.
How big should a juniper branch be?
The size you should aim for when taking a cutting from your Blue Point Juniper is between 20cm and 25cm (8in and 10in). It is recommended that the branch you choose to take the cutting from is healthy. It should also have a decent amount of needles growing from its tip.
What temperature does a blue point Juniper grow?
With hardiness down to temperature s as low as -34°C (-30°F), the Blue Point Juniper will thrive no matter where you live!
How do I thin out a creeping juniper tree?
Creeping and semi-upright junipers can have very thick dead zones that need to be thinned out. Use a pair of pruners or loppers to cut 30% of the central limbs out of the tree, opting for the most mature branches.
How to grow a juniper in a dead zone?
If the dead zone makes up the majority of the plant, dig up the juniper and replant a new shrub in its place. Make cuts at the junctions of the branches. In all varieties of junipers, new growth comes from points in the tree where the branches split into 2-3 smaller branches, called junctions.
How to get new growth on a dead tree?
Cut out dead or damaged limbs using loppers to encourage new growth. You may notice that some of the branches of the tree are brown and stiff. Take a pair of loppers, which are a type of gardening scissor with long handles, and cut all dead or damaged limbs into the dead zone. This will give new growth space to form!
Why is winter pruning important?
Winter pruning is a great option because it ensures that the plant is pruned before new growth begins.
How to keep a shrub from sticking out?
Tie sagging branches to the center of the shrub to secure them. Even after pruning the side branches by a quarter or third, they can still sag and stick out from the tree. Use twine or tree ties to secure the branches to the center of the tree.
What is a juniper tree?
Junipers trees are a type of hardy evergreen that can grow almost anywhere in the world. There are many different species, but they all have certain characteristics in common, including a narrow shape, fragrant blue fruits, and unique branch texture.
Where do junipers get their new growth?
Make cuts at the junctions of the branches. In all varieties of junipers, new growth comes from points in the tree where the branches split into 2-3 smaller branches, called junctions. When pruning the tree, try to make cuts as close to the junctions as possible to encourage more new growth throughout the year.
Trimming a Blue Point Juniper?
I'm pretty sure I have two Blue Point Junipers in front of my house, at the entrance. They were planted at the same time, when the house was built a few years ago. The one on the right is in a small, contained square area, big enough for only the juniper, and the other is in a larger flower bed.
Comments (2)
it sounds like you diagnosed the reason one is bigger.. wouldnt it be easier to just give the other one more water???
Why do you prune juniper plants?
Obviously, most gardeners prune their plants to reduce size. A neat and compact shrub looks very harmonious against a lawn or stones. However, pruning also promotes plant health. The fact is that juniper in most have a thick crown in which very often develop fungal diseases.
How often should I trim juniper?
If you do not have enough time, you can trim the juniper twice a year. The first time in the spring, you should form the structure of the plant. The second time in the fall to correct the shape. I do not recommend trimming juniper in winter. At this time, the plant is weakened, and pruning can damage it. Pruning type.
How long does it take to prune a juniper?
Pruned plants in this style is trendy. As a result, you can get just fantastic-looking juniper. However, this pruning takes several years and requires a lot of attention and effort. Select three to four main branches with lots of green mass, remove the remaining branches.
What are conditionally juniper trees?
Conditionally juniper can be divided into two types. The first is shrubbery, and they grow more horizontally. The second type is vertical columnar junipers, which more closely resemble the shape of a tree.
What is the best plant for bonsai?
Conifers. , Juniper. Juniper trees are ideal plants for creating a variety of garden figures and bonsai. Undersized varieties that have a bush shape are best suited for this. I have several different juniper trees in the garden, and they differ in shape and size. I have been forming these plants for several years now.
Why raise juniper crown?
The advantage of raising the crown is the extra space under the plant where you can plant shady perennials such as Hostas or Coral bells. Also, such juniper looks more refined.
How much of a plant should I prune?
Experienced gardeners recommend pruning no more than a third of the plant for one pruning. This is because of the removal of more than 30% of branches, and the plant can get stress and die. If you have no experience in pruning plants, I also recommend not removing more than 30% of branches per pruning.
What is a juniper shrub?
Image by speakingtomato. Juniper shrubs and trees are a great asset to landscaping. They can grow tall and eye catching, or they can stay low and shaped into hedges and walls. They can even be formed into topiaries. But sometimes, like the best things in life, they get away from us.
Can juniper be pruned smaller?
This means that your juniper can never be pruned smaller than the border of its dead zone. If you keep up with pruning and shaping as the tree or shrub grows, you can keep it compact and healthy. But if you try to attempt overgrown juniper pruning, you may discover that you just can’t get the plant down to a size that’s acceptable.
Can you prune an overgrown juniper?
Can you prune an overgrown juniper? Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t a definite yes. Juniper trees and bushes have something called a dead zone. This is a space toward the center of the plant that doesn’t produce new leafy growth.
Can you cut back juniper leaves?
Sadly, it’s bad news for pruning. If you cut back a branch below the leaves and into this dead zone, no new leaves will grow from it. This means that your juniper can never be pruned smaller than the border of its dead zone.
Can you cut a tree branch off at its base?
This will give the remaining healthy branches more room to fill out. Just remember – if you cut a branch past its leaves, you should cut it off at its base. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a bare patch.
The Goal of Pruning Junipers
First, let’s get the bad news out of the way. If you’re hoping to reduce the size of your juniper rather than providing some shape, pruning isn’t going to work very well.
When to Prune
Technically, as long as the temperature isn’t below freezing, you can prune at any time of year. Pruning when it’s below freezing can seriously damage or even kill the plant.
How to Prune
The method you’ll use depends on the size of the branch you are cutting. Small branches that are the same diameter or smaller than a pencil can be snipped with a pair of secateurs, while slightly larger branches can be cut with pruners.
Encouraging Bushier Growth
If your goal is to encourage bushy growth, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Shape Up Your Juniper Shrubs
Junipers don’t need much in the way of pruning, but when they need it, it’s important to do it the right way. Hopefully, now you feel armed to trim your plants into top shape.
