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Chinese Juniper brown spots #839977

Asked July 10, 2023, 5:42 PM EDT

We have a screen of Chinese Junipers which I estimate at 17 years of age, border a parking lot, and some have brown / dead areas in them.  Would you please review the attached pictures and if possible, advise potential causes and remedies?  Thank you!!!

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Good Afternoon,
Most likely this is some winter burn. When plants do not get enough moisture stored in roots and other tissues before the ground freezes, it is difficult for them, especially evergreens, to go all winter with little to no additional water. This is why it is important to water evergreens up to when the ground freezes in your area, usually October, when rainfall is lacking.. For winter burn, clip off brown tips and water shrubs during long dry periods through the season with a soaker hose. (Foliage that stands wet overnight or for long periods is more prone to fungal diseases).

There are some fungal diseases that can cause issues, and a few Insect pests.
You can check the main trunks of the shrubs for missing bark, which might have been chewed by voles or other hungry wildlife over the winter. This can damage the live wood and limit the shrubs’ ability to transmit water to the needles. See example here- http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/pastpest/200701g.html.

To determine the exact cause needs close examination of branches and needles under magnification.
For a modest fee, the MSU Plant Diagnostic lab can analyze branch samples and give you an opinion on what is wrong and how to proceed. See https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

Here is a reference on common issues- https://extension.psu.edu/juniper-diseases
What's wrong with my plant? : Garden : University of Minnesota Extension (umn.edu)

I hope this helps.  Thanks for using our service.
V/r, Replied July 11, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT

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