Pfitzer juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana): when and how to prune

Pfitzer juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana): when to prune it?

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Late April–May or in August; one light trim a year is enough.

What else to prune in those months? April · August

Pfitzer juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana): how to prune it?

1. Cut overly long branches back to a side shoot you want to keep growing.
2. Remove dead or damaged branches completely, back to living wood.
3. Keep the natural shape: cut out a few branches rather than clipping it into a ball.
4. Wear gloves and long sleeves: the needles are prickly and can irritate sensitive skin.

How much to cut, and how often?

• There are 2 pruning periods a year: April 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 April 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

• Chinese juniper
• Ornamental juniper
• Savin juniper
• Common juniper
• Creeping juniper
• Flaky juniper (Juniperus squamata)

Plant profile: Pfitzer juniper (Juniperus × pfitzeriana) · Pruning calendar and basic rules