Juniper Trees

Juniper Trees are easy-care, easy-growing evergreens that come in virtually every shape and size. Looking to plant a Privacy Screen? There’s a Juniper for that! Want a classy container plant? Junipers have you covered. Need a low-maintenance landscaping specimen? Look no further!

This species is characterized by young foliage that emerges needle-like and sharp. Some varieties retain this needled texture, while others mature to awl-shaped leaves that are fanned and arranged in groups. Some varieties are sterile, while others produce attractive waxy blue seed cones, called Juniper berries. These berries were used historically to flavor foods and, notably, gin. The foliage and wood of Junipers are both known for their piney fragrance.

Looking for some low-growing varieties? Check out Groundcover Junipers to browse those selections.

Why Should I Plant Juniper Trees?

When it comes to Ornamental trees, Junipers stand-alone in many ways.

Juniper Trees are Low-Maintenance

Most varieties are naturally pyramidal, so you can leave the trimming shears in the shed. Many selections also max out between 12-16 feet tall at maturity. Therefore, you can rest easy knowing that they won’t eclipse your entire landscape.

Many Juniper Trees are Fast-Growing

Although not as fast-growing as a Green Giant Arborvitae or a Leyland Cypress, Juniper Trees are no slouches when it comes to quick growth. Additionally, their moderate mature height means that they’ll get to the size you want them to be relatively quickly and then they’ll stay that size.

Dense Evergreen Foliage Makes Them Perfect for Privacy Screens

Junipers are compact in nature, so they really shine as a privacy planting. Their thick foliage is perfect for dampening street noise, filtering dust and pollutants out of the air, and blocking out heavy winds. Plus, the fact that they’re evergreen means that you’ll have coverage all year long!

What Type of Juniper Tree Should I Plant?

If you’re looking for dense, pyramidal green foliage, you should look at either the Spartan Juniper or Green Hetzi Columnar Juniper. Both of these varieties get about 15 feet tall at maturity. The Spartan tends to be the narrower growing of the two. If you want that classic blue Juniper foliage color in the landscape, check out the Blue Point Juniper. This beauty brings that bright blue color all year long.

Where Should I Plant Juniper Trees?

Junipers grow well in Full Sun exposure. This is the best way to ensure that they have healthy and uniformly dense foliage. They tend to struggle with less than 6 hours of direct sun exposure.

They are generally tolerant of most soil types, so that isn’t usually a major concern when choosing a planting location. However, good drainage is important to ensure that they don’t experience root rot. If they’re planted in poor quality soil, consider applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer a couple of times during the growing season to help provide your plant with the nutrients it needs to grow. This becomes generally unnecessary once the plant has reached its full growth potential.

When Should I Plant Juniper Trees?

Spring and Fall are the ideal times to plant Junipers. The mild temperatures in these two seasons allow the plant to acclimate to the landscape before extreme Summer or Winter temperatures set in. If planting in Fall, we recommend planting at least 1 month before your first expected frost date. This will give your plant time to situate itself in the landscape before freezing temperatures become common.

How Do I Plant Juniper Trees?

To get the most out of your Juniper Trees, make sure that you’ve chosen the correct one for your growing conditions. Then, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball (the clump of roots and soil in the pot) of your plant. Mix your native soil with gardening soil to provide extra nutrients, this step isn’t 100% necessary for Junipers. Backfill the hole with the dirt mixture and top with 3-4 inches of mulch to help retain moisture. Water your new planting 2-3 times per week for the first growing season.