Return to the Conifers Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Juniper Skyrockets split after winter damage

Posted by swaggy (My Page) on
Sat, Apr 14, 12 at 15:58

I have four Juniper Skyrockets in front of our house that we planted in the spring of 2010 and they've been doing great until we had that storm last October that pretty much brought them to their knees:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/quik213/IMG_0037.jpg

So after the snow melted a few weeks later, I tied the branches up with twine and that's how they've been all winter long until I freed them in March. However, the trees have opened up, some are leaning and overall just don't look as sharp as they did before. I don't see any evidence of uprooting so the root system should be intact. I thought about using some more twine to "lift-up" some of the branches that have gone astray but then remembered that staking or otherwise propping up a tree will eventually weaken the trunk.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/quik213/IMG_0243.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/quik213/IMG_0242.jpg
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/quik213/IMG_0240.jpg

I also have some evergreens in the back that have the same problem although some of them seem to be recovering now:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k420/quik213/IMG_0244.jpg

Is there anything I can or should do or will they eventually straighten out on their own?


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Juniper Skyrockets split after winter damage

hey swag ...

when you post pix.. use the HTML codes.. instead of the IMG codes.. and on PREVIEW.. the pix will be right in your post ...

the probelm.. was planting multiple leader trees.. which are inherently week.. because when snow is trapped between the mult leaders.. well.. you know what happens.. they splay ...

frankly.. very frankly.. this is one of the reasons i got rid of all my plants that had this problem .. that plus tip blight on the junipers ...

your backyard one is a thuja.. aka arb ... same problem ...

good luck

ken


 o
RE: Juniper Skyrockets split after winter damage

Put the twine back on them where they need support till they take a set and can support themselves.

Next time you encounter heavy wet snow go out and give them a shake to unload them. You can spade down on the leaner side to loosen up soil and pull back to vertical. Then compact back soil.

I would seriously consider replacing them when time and budget permits. Otherwise as they grow in stature your ability to help them survive another October storm is limited.

Ken pretty much tells it like it is.

Dave


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Conifers Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.