juniper shrub disease - Ask Extension
I have a number of juniper shrubs planted along the street about 15 years ago.
They have been beautiful, about 2 ft. high and nice spread. I just no...
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juniper shrub disease #749458
Asked May 12, 2021, 11:21 AM EDT
I have a number of juniper shrubs planted along the street about 15 years ago.
They have been beautiful, about 2 ft. high and nice spread. I just noticed most of them now have
many scattered branches turned brown -- maybe 25-30% of branches.
What are the possible problems? What possible treatment is there? I suspect
each entire shrub will die soon. Is there some spray or other approach which
might save them? If replaced, is it okay to put new juniper shrubs in the same holes?
My drip water system lends itself to that approach. Thanks
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Don,
Follow the branches back to the base of the shrubs...and look for chewing. I'm guessing that you might have vole damage? Voles love to chew on junipers during the winter.
If you see this, then cut out the affected branches and try to find the active areas of the voles. Set out unbaited mouse traps in the area. Check them frequently.
If you replace the junipers, the voles may chew those too...so try to decrease the vole population.
