Junior is generally undemanding, but does need pruning from time to time. Find out when and how to best prune juniper here.
The juniper is a plant that is particularly multifaceted in different growth forms. Last but not least, this can be attributed to the good compatibility with cuts. Whether as a hedge, solitary plant or in an attractive form, juniper (Juniperus) is versatile and attractive.
Regular pruning should not be missed to stimulate vigorous growth and maintain the attractiveness of the plant.
When should juniper be pruned?
Juniper is robust and extremely easy on pruning. It doesn't matter which growth form you are aiming for and whether the juniper is in the hedge or should impress in a single position. The hobby gardener remains flexible in terms of the right time for the shape or maintenance cut. Pruning measures can be carried out during the entire growth phase. Spring and autumn are preferable. In spring, the plants should be pruned before they sprout. The ideal time for juniper pruning at the end of the garden year is September to October.
Tip: Juniper should not be cut when there is frost. Rain or direct sunlight should also be avoided on the day of the cut.
What you need to know before the cut
Check the cutting tool before cutting. Not only should the hedge trimmer be sharp, you should also disinfect your cutting tool before use. This is preferably done with alcohol that is as high as possible. Juniper has quite strong needles. This could possibly lead to injuries when cutting. The sap of the cypress family is slightly toxic and could trigger unpleasant reactions in allergy sufferers.
Tip: If juniper hedges are to be cut, the hedge should be checked for nesting birds beforehand. If there is a nest in the hedge, it should be cut at a later date.
Equipment for protection against directPlant contact
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Sturdy work shoes
- long trousers
- long sweater or jacket
Small guide - the right hedge trimming
Preference is given to planting juniper as a hedge. Since the plants only grow moderately, a hedge trimming every year is completely sufficient. As mentioned above, spring is the best time. This promotes the growth of the plant and you ensure an attractive appearance. Hedges are preferably cut in a trapezoidal shape. This is not only due to an optical aspect, the hobby gardener strives for sunlight to be able to penetrate all areas of the plant and thus prevent bareness. Before the actual pruning begins, all branches that have died over the winter are removed.
Tip: In order not to lose sight of the desired shape during the cut, strings can be stretched or a wooden frame set up.
The hedge is cut from the crown of the plant to the base. Keep your appropriate guide in mind. If the corners are slightly rounded, more light can enter. For the topiary, the hedge trimmer is always aligned parallel to the plant. If the hedge has lost its shape over the summer, a second hedge trimming in late summer can maintain its growth habit over the winter.
How to trim a juniper hedge
- cut top to bottom
- Set up scaffolding or stretch cords
- Don't lose sight of shape
- Remove dead shoots, diseased branches and twigs growing inwards
Pruning juniper as a solitary plant
The juniper not only cuts a fine figure as a hedge. The plants can also appear attractive and imposing in a single position. A regular maintenance cut should not be missed here either. Without appropriate pruning measures, solitary plants can reach heights of up to twelve meters and also spread quickly.
Junior tolerates pruning very well, but rarely forgives radical pruning measures. So cut less and cut more often.
Tip: During the growth phase, the juniper can also be cut several times.
First, dead shoots are removed. Each cut should begin at a branch fork. Solitary plants are also very suitable for topiary. You can opt for a fairly easy-to-cut sphere, a slightly more elaborate spiral, orchoose a creative animal figure. The corresponding templates can be made from wire or purchased and used as a cutting aid. The templates are placed over the plants and all protruding branches are removed. Smaller scissors should be used for the fine cut.
How to cut the solitary plant
- regularly trimming
- do not make radical cuts
- Remove old and dead branches completely
- use template for topiary
Pruning juniper as bonsai
The easy-care and robust juniper is particularly popular as a bonsai. The plant can be shaped as you like. However, the bonsai will resent drastic pruning measures. Regular pruning, on the other hand, is well tolerated. If the shoot tips are regularly shortened, the plant grows denser. In order for the growth form to appear particularly filigree, you can also pluck it with your fingers. The bonsai cut should also be extended to the bark at least once a year. Holes and cracks in the bark can encourage pests to enter. The fibers of the bark are pulled off with tweezers. Leftovers can be brushed off.
In the video: Topiary Maxi Bonsai
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Care measures after the cut
The care of the juniper usually begins with the shape and maintenance cut. The growing season should be involved by further care measures. The first cut in spring is already a prerequisite for rapid growth. To keep the plant he althy, it needs a lot of water after cutting. If compost is worked into the substrate, the plant receives a reliable long-term fertilizer. Potted plants require more care than juniper in the field. The frost-sensitive plants should only be cut in spring.
Pros and Cons of Plant Pruning
| Advantages | Cons |
| Juniper is easily pruned and tolerates pruning throughout the growing season. | If pruning has not been done for several years, it can become difficult because the plant does not tolerate radical pruning. |
| The cypress plants are also very suitable for topiary, whereby the classic ball is just as possible as artistic figures. | Juniper is slightly toxic and can trigger allergies, so make sure you wear appropriate protective clothing. |
| If juniper is pruned regularly, this circumstance has a beneficial effect on the growth habit and attractiveness of the plant. | |
| The trade offers various templates for a successful shape cut. |