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Pruning guide · Tree
Spanish juniper: when and how to prune
Juniperus thurifera
Spanish juniper is best pruned in April.
| Pruning months | April |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in April |
| Flowering | February–March |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Spanish juniper: when to prune it?
Rarely needed. Do small corrections in April, when the frosts are over.
What else to prune in those months? April
Spanish juniper: how to prune it?
- Remove dead and brown branches, back to healthy green wood.
- Only cut into green, scaly shoots: junipers do not regrow from bare old wood.
- If a young tree has two leaders, keep the stronger one and cut out the other.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April.
- Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in April 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.
Caution: Never cut back into bare wood: no new green will grow there. Wear gloves, as the aromatic sap can irritate the skin.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Spanish juniper · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.