Although several kinds of insects make webbing, this does not resemble anything other than a spider's web. They are beneficial in that they catch a number of insects (some of which are pests) and should be left alone in the garden. If the webbing bothers you, break it up with a stick or a broom; spiders re-build their webs often, but if repeatedly disturbed, may move on to another location.

Neem should not be used unless a particular plant pest is identified. While an organic pesticide, it can still harm beneficial insects if they are contacted with the spray. Additionally, repeated exposure to pesticides can stress plants, and cause tissue damage if over-applied or used in warm temperatures (above 85 degrees).

Junipers are vulnerable to a number of fungal diseases, some of which infect stems and others of which infect roots. Given the widespread nature of this damage, root infection is more likely, though we cannot discern among them via photos. In either case, fungicide treatment is either not possible or not practical, and badly damaged plants (like the one mostly-brown one in the photo) need to be removed as they will not recover. Mild damage, such as scattered small brown tips, can be trimmed away selectively.

For best health, water the Junipers periodically during drought when the top 4-6" of soil (beneath the mulch) has become fairly dry. Soak well, but then hold off on watering again until they have dried sufficiently. Junipers are quite drought-tolerant, but grow best when given supplemental moisture during prolonged hot dry spells. Over-watering will promote root rot and frequent foliage wetness can promote stem infections.

Webs on the Junipers are coincidental and possibly just appealing web-construction sites for spiders. Spider mites can cause webbing and plant damage, but we see no evidence of their feeding in the photo; plus, in an infestation bad enough where webbing is prominent, you would be able to see the mites crawling around on the silk.

Miri

Thanks for your reply.  Unless it's a spider species I'm not familiar with I don't think these are common spider webs, if there is such a thing.  Perhaps it's difficult to see what the web actually looks like in the photo.  That was something I was concerned about when I sent the photo.  There are little brown specks on the webs and if you look at the photo you will see the specks.  I think the ispecks are the dead insects that make the web.  Are you open and may I drop off a sample of the web for you to examine?   

Dead insects and other debris do get caught in webbing and may not be discarded by the spider for some time. (This assumes the spider that made the web is still alive; silk does not break down that fast.) There are at least nearly 300 spider species documented in Maryland, and while all don't make webs, there are still a very diverse array of those that do. The "classic" radial/spiraling webs made by orb-weavers only represent one group.

We are not able to identify spider species by webbing, nor are we open for samples. If you haven't yet tried, physically remove the web if it's bothersome. If it keeps re-appearing, the spider(s) responsible are living nearby, perhaps sheltering under a leaf (not all spiders sit in their webs). If not, then the spider died or disappeared awhile ago and the problem should resolve itself.

The specks are too small and out-of-focus to identify, but several are the right shape and size for leafhoppers. Spiders catching leafhoppers is a good thing, as they commonly cause foliage damage in summer and can even transmit several plant diseases (not ones affecting the Juniper).

Miri

Your last explanation makes a lot of sense. I’m sorta a spider lover because I know that the common spider kills other insects that are not beneficial and don’t kill them. I have even found them in my home and put them on something and then carry them outside and release them. Just so you know these webs appear on my plants and the exterior of my home. 

Your last explanation makes a lot of sense. I’m sorta a spider lover because I know that the common spider kills other insects that are not beneficial and don’t kill them. I have even found them in my home and put them on something and then carry them outside and release them. Just so you know these webs appear on my plants and the exterior of my home. 

The system didn’t allow me to complete that last email.  I’ve been using a broom to get rid of the webs when I see them. Is there any benefit to not removing the webs and let them stay?  Also, should I not be using Neem in my plants including my house plants that stay outside for the summer? 

The main benefit to not removing the webs is that the webs should continue to catch insects (and hopefully some of the pest insects at that).

Neem may be an organic insecticide, but any insecticide should only be used with a purpose - meaning to control a particular pest at a particular point in time. Applying it otherwise, especially regularly, is at worst harmful to the plant or the environment and at best wasteful of the Neem. As mentioned previously, you don't want to risk harming beneficials that prey on pest insects or risk over-exposing the plant. It's also been too hot most of the past month to be spraying any pesticide outside, at least during daylight hours. (Temperatures should be below 85 degrees.)

Inspecting and treating (as needed) houseplants that have summered outside before they need to come in can be useful, but they should only be treated at that time unless pest outbreaks are a problem earlier in the season. Most houseplants that aren't too chill-sensitive can stay out 'till sometime in October.

Miri

Miri, thanks for your response.  Attached is the article I mentioned regarding cleaning fruit and vegetables sprayed with Neem. I’d appreciate feedback from you and or the appropriate UMD Extension Service staff member. 

I’m unable to attach the article and will try emailing it to you in the next couple of days from my laptop. 

I’m unable to attach the article and will try emailing it to you in the next couple of days from my laptop.