Chinese juniper: when and how to prune

Chinese juniper: when to prune it?

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In June and again in August or September; one light trim a year is enough.

What else to prune in those months? June · August

Chinese juniper: how to prune it?

1. Only trim the young, green tips of the new shoots to keep the shape.
2. Remove dead or damaged branches completely, back to living wood.
3. For a hedge: clip lightly and often, so there is always green foliage left.
4. Wear gloves: the needles are prickly and can irritate sensitive skin.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in June and August can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Common juniper
• Ornamental juniper
• Pfitzer juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana)
• Savin juniper
• Creeping juniper
• Flaky juniper (Juniperus squamata)

Plant profile: Chinese juniper · Pruning calendar and basic rules