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Over-watered Blue Point Junipers #755236

Asked June 10, 2021, 8:01 AM EDT

Hello and Thank you, A landscaper planted five Blue Point Juniper in full sun about three weeks ago. They covered the bed with weed block cloth and mulch. We have discovered that our sprinkler system leaked right under the junipers, plus we were watering and had a few heavy rains. We stopped watering, pulled mulch off the root ball, fixed the leak, and moved the sprinkler head. The brushes have some yellow and dropping needles and growing berries. Some mushrooms are growing in the bed but away from the bushes. Questions: Will the bushes rebound, or should they be replaced? How do we help them recover? Do I fertilize? Can I lightly shape bushes? Also, side question do they grow to full size in Michigan? See pictures of two different junipers.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Just an FYI - Unlike many other junipers, the "Blue Point" variety has a low need for soil moisture and grows well in dry conditions. However, occasional watering may still be necessary depending on the situation.

Watering During Establishment

"Blue Point" juniper shrubs respond well to regular irrigation during the establishment period following planting. Water the planting site once every seven days during the first 12 months after placing your juniper shrub into the ground. Soak the area well, using enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 18 to 20 inches. This type of periodic deep irrigation encourages deeper rooting of the shrub, which in turn makes the juniper more resistant to drought and heat stress. Once the Blue Point Juniper has been established, the frequency of watering will decrease. For trees that are established, they will only need to be watered if it is exceptionally warm out. Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ trees are drought resistant. They will likely be happy being watered by the rain.

Watering During Maintenance

After the first 12 months, you can consider your "Blue Point" juniper shrub fully established. Established junipers are very sensitive to over-watering and rarely require supplemental irrigation beyond whatever rainfall your area may receive. However, if your juniper starts to exhibit the color symptoms of drought stress, apply irrigation immediately and moisten the soil to a depth of 20 inches. Repeat once a day as necessary until your shrub has recovered its full color. Signs of drought stress include color changes starting at the top of the juniper and slowly working their way down the plant, with leaves turning a yellow-green hue that becomes brown if the dry conditions are not corrected.

Fertilization: Established trees do not need to be fertilized to maintain plant health. Use the guidelines set forth in the homeowner’s guide to nutrition and fertilization of landscape trees and shrubs at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Nutrition_and_fertilization_BertCreggfinal.pdf

Watering Tips and Warnings

Like other evergreens, "Blue Point" juniper shrubs respond well to mulch. Mulch serves several purposes. For example, mulch provides your juniper with supplementary nutrients while also helping to conserve soil moisture, thus helping to indirectly water your juniper. For "Blue Point" shrubs, spread 2 to 3 inches of organic matter around the plant's base. Examples of mulching material include shredded bark and shredded wood chips.

When irrigating your "Blue Point" juniper, always add water at the shrub's base and never use a sprinkler or any other type of overhead irrigation. Overhead irrigation increases the risks of numerous foliage diseases, such as blight.

Pruning and Shaping Blue Point Junipers

Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ does not require religious grooming routines. Left to grow and develop naturally, they will be as eye-catching as one that has been pruned. Blue Point Juniper trees are low-maintenance. They will not grow wildly or get out of control. No matter the time of year, these trees will look great. It is possible to shape these trees and use them for topiary. When shaped, they should be pruned annually. To avoid putting strain on your Blue Point Juniper, there are a few months you should be cautious of. It is best to avoid pruning these trees during the hottest months and the coldest months. What is likely to happen if you trim your Blue Point Juniper in these months is the burning of the new growth. You should also be sure that your tools are sharp. This minimizes the event of a jagged cut which ends up browning and taking away from the tree’s beauty. Depending on your preference, Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ can be trimmed into elegant and dramatic features. 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.

I do not believe that Blue Point junipers grow to their full size in Michigan - You may want to contact an arborist to find out. Please go to this link: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

Hope this helps

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2021, 3:37 PM EDT
Thank you for this information. It will be helpful going forward. 

I am wondering, can a blue point juniper recover from past overwatering, or will it slowly die?

Thank you. Have a nice weekend



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-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 6/10/21 3:37 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Kris Said <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Over-watered Blue Point Junipers (#0025167)

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2021, 9:45 PM EDT

Because your Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’ has been exposed to an excessive amount of water, a few issues may arise. 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. In severe cases, your tree may even die.

Knowing this you could possibly get a more accurate diagnosis of the current situation of the juniper by exploring these two options - Make sure you explain the overwatering issues

Option 1: Send your recent images of the tree to MSU Diagnostic Plant lab. The lab strongly encourages clients to email digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>. There is a $20-25 dollar fee. Their website has the form and instructions: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

Option 2: Hire a certified arborist to come on-site and could provide you his diagnosis of the juniper. You want an arborist, not just a tree service worker who may not have any schooling in diseases and pests. Find an arborist at: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

I recommend hiring the arborist since submitting samples to the lab may not identify issues with roots, such as rot, which contribute to decline. This is an onsite evaluation and the arborist will examine all parts of the juniper

Hope this helps

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 11, 2021, 3:13 PM EDT

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