Help! What's turning my junipers brown?

13 years ago

I've got about 25 junipers on a hill in front of my house, most of which I planted 14 months ago. They're just starting to turn brown. Interestingly, it looks like they're turning brown from the center out, rather than from the tips inward like I would expect. I have no idea how to tell what the cause is or what to do. We've had a good amount of rain lately and temperatures just went below freezing for the first time, but I wouldn't think that would cause this. . .

Any thoughts on what I should do. I don't want these babies to die! Some pictures of three different ones are below, in case they help.

http://imgur.com/Uwluf&jjQ9q&qiLoB&fxY6j

http://imgur.com/Uwluf&jjQ9ql&qiLoB&fxY6j

http://imgur.com/Uwluf&jjQ9q&qiLoBl&fxY6j

http://imgur.com/Uwluf&jjQ9q&qiLoB&fxY6jl

Comments (4)

jean001
13 years ago
In many cases of post-plating problems for woodies, water is the culprit, often too little to the rootball, sometimes too much.

In your case, the rains may have tipped the balance toward too much. Junipers require excellent drainage.
hortster
13 years ago
I would vote with jean001 on the liklihood of the damage being due to water issues. The good news is that it appears the new growth has been healthy and the plants seem to be on the mend.
hortster
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jean001
13 years ago
Well, I wouldn't be quite that hasty when it comes to junipers. Only time will tell whether or not that central browning is root rot.
gargwarb
13 years ago
It would be best to move the mulch away from the plants a bit. Mulch right up against the base does not allow the bark to dry and opens the plants up to collar rot. That goes for all of your woody ornamentals, not just the ones that look sickly right now. Give them a few inches around the base and when putting in new ones,don't plant too deeply.