How to get the brown needles off of my Juniper.

[johnrgoforth]

So I bought a Juniper about 7 months ago. I'm new to bonsai, so I feel like a few things had a negative impact on the tree at first. I live in central MS, and the tree was grown in a greenhouse, I'm sure. So the heat may have been alot for the tree, and it took me some time to get the watering down. I think it also had issues with pests, but regular applications of Neem oil have helped.

Anyway, to my question. As you can see, there's a bit of brown on the tree. It's been there for a while. I want to know the best way to get rid of the brown so that the tree looks better. Do I have to individually remove the needles? Should I remove each limb that has brown (even though many limbs have brown needles near the base but mostly green needles near the tip)? Any suggestions or general advice is greatly welcome.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

You can pinch off the browning needles with your fingers. Are you keeping it indoors, or outdoors? Keep it outdoors. Are those pebbles glued on? Please remove them. I see a pine to the left of the juniper. Same questions, and advice as before. Conifers thrive outdoors only.

 

[johnrgoforth]

No, they are not glued on. Is it a bad idea for them to be around the tree? Yes, I keep them outdoors at all times.

 

[johng]

its not a bad idea to have the pebbles...they will help keep you from washing the soil away when you water. We often see "glued on pebbles" on what we call Mallsai...cheap commercial bonsai often sold in big box stores, that are a concern...but yours, no problem.

As to your brown needles... You have two different types on your tree. First you have some brown tips(often a result of missed watering or sometimes limited light), those can just be pinched off with your finger tips...removing all the dead when you do it...this is also often done with fine shears.

The dead needles that are found on the inside of green foliage on the other hand are a normal part of growing process for this type of juniper, and can also just be rubbed off with your fingers...although it may sound easier to do than it really is...not hard, just time consuming. Those brown needles will also slough off in time...a season or so.

I am glad you are keeping your trees outdoors...that is an important first step. By the condition of your juniper I would guess that you are not keeping it in full sun...too much shade...inside growth starts to die off...branches getting legging...your tree could be suffering from this and as a result doesn't look as healthy as it should. It may have additionally suffered from a couple missed or late waterings...it happens to us all and usually sets a plant back at least one growing season. Learning to water is another big step! Probably took me 5 years or more to go an entire growing season without a water set back. 25 years into this I had two this season...one in the late summer and one in the early fall...it happens.

Considering all this, I suspect more sun next growing season will help your tree get healthy(don't forget to fertilize)...how much sun is something you have to determine on your own because more sun means increased watering needs...you have to find the balance between keeping your trees adequately watered and giving them enough sun to thrive.

There are many other factors that will eventually play into to keeping your trees vigorous and healthy but this is pretty much the basic foundation to getting started.

Good Luck with your trees,
John

 

[edprocoat]

johnrgoforth ]No, they are not glued on. Is it a bad idea for them to be around the tree? Yes, I keep them outdoors at all times

Loose rocks around the base will not hurt the tree, they can be very helpful too by keeping heat off the roots and also stopping water from washing away the top of your mix/soil if using a hose. They also can harbor pests like gnats too. You would be better to carefully use a tweezers or scissors to remove the dead needles making certain not to hurt new growth, pinching can actually cause more brown needles if not done very carefully. Most use scissors as its easier to slowly choose and cut individual needles leaving near growth unharmed as most peoples fingers are too big remove the dead stuff without damaging other needles. In the Spring when its growing good trim back the outside growth down to the lowest growth to promote backbudding. If its healthy it should get new growth further down where you need it with the access to light it will get.

ed

 

[Paradox]

I know you said in the OP that you are in MS, sorry but is that Missouri or Mississippi? Please fill out your profile with that info so we dont need to keep asking.

IMO, this is a picture of a stressed juniper. Something isnt right.

Be very careful of watering with this guy. Make sure you are watering when it needs it; not overwatering and not letting it get bone dry. Do not fertilize the tree until you start seeing it put out new growth.

Try this test, take a clean white sheet of paper and hold it under the branches of the tree and shake the branches. If you have little tiny dots crawling around then you have spider mites and youll have to deal with those.

Winter is coming. If you have winter temps that drop into the 20s and lower, you will want to provide some winter protection out of the wind for this tree. An unheated garage or mulched against the foundation of your house should work. Personally, I would prefer the garage if that is available.

Hopefully you see some re-growth next spring/summer, but right now that tree is stressed.

Good luck

 

[sorce]

Find a first aid box and steal the blue tweezers.

Thats what I use.

No one will ever die without those tweezers. Splinters don't kill.

Sorce