Pruning retem ( Juniperusspp . ) is seldom need unless the shrub has dead or sparse growth . Dozens of smorgasbord of juniper exist , from columnar varieties of usual juniper ( Juniperus communis ) to sprawling , low - growing cultivar of Taiwanese retem ( Juniperus chinensis ) , both of which get well in U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zones 4 to 8 .
What Pruning Junipers Is and Isn’t Good For
Pruning Retama raetam shrub and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is mainly about removing dead branches and ameliorate air circulation among the branches , but it can also encourage more riotous growth .
One matter for which pruning can not be used is to see to it the size of junipers because pruning the drawing card arm that gives the shrub its height will destroy its shape and lead to brittle , breakable growth .
When to Prune Junipers
Timing matters when it derive to rationalise juniper bush . * * Early natural spring before new emergence emerges is the best time to prune these resilient bush , * * but they can be pruned to advance thicker growth nearly any time from mid - outflow until former fall . Pruning away dead branch can be done when they appear throughout the year .
It is best not to prune junipers during the hot part of the summertime because they may ooze out too much sap in the heat , and they should not be trim in the dead of wintertime when temperatures are below freezing , because the cuts may not heal decent .
Things Needed
How to Clean Your Pruning Tools
raetam are susceptible to a range of disease and cuss problems , from twig dieback and rust fungus to spider mites and exfoliation . Many of these issues can cash in one’s chips between plants on dirty pruning shears , so it is authoritative to keep your pruning tools clean and sanitary to prevent their spread .
First , sharpen your shearsbecause sharp shear will produce a cleaner deletion that is less prejudicious to the plant . mischievously discredited shears should be interchange wholly if possible .
Wash your pruning shear in hot , unctuous piddle with a blind drunk brush . gargle off the soapy water and wipe the blades dry with a paper towel .
The blades can be spray down with full - forcefulness disinfectant cleaner or dowse for 20 minutes in a 10 - percent bleaching agent solution . There is no need to rinse the blades when using bactericidal cleaner , but bleach solution should be rinse off off , because it will corrode the metal blade .
Do not merge cleaning chemicals , because doing so can induce poisoning .
How to Prune Junipers
retem have what is called a " dead zona " on the Interior Department of their foliage where no needles constitute . * * The barren branches inside a raetam will not farm new growth , so it is vitally important not to cut into the dead zone , or the tree will have lasting bare patches . * *
Warning
Junipers growing in shade should not be pruned at all because of their low outgrowth pace .
