Keep it clean and crisp. Armed with these tips, your juniper bonsai should have an excellent chance at success. Blights are caused by fungi that flourish in the spring and summer during periods of warm, damp weather. The cultivar Juniperus chinensis 'Keteleeri' is relatively trouble-free and has good disease resistance. Treat with fungicide.
He recommended removing the mulch during wet spring season to help it dry out. If a tree is showing signs of trouble, all is not necessarily lost. That's the reason some sleek doors below in an espresso tone would look great. It is best to wait for drier conditions during mid-June to mid-July for shearing if you desire a formal appearance. I guess we were posting at the same time! Here are the tips on how to determine if the Juniper Bonsai tree needs to be repotted: Tip #1. Symptoms are similar for both diseases. I couldn't figure out what went wrong until I dug it up and found that all of the bark had been chewed off the roots and around the base of the trunk. Their diminutive size makes them appealing as houseplants, but juniper bonsai are truly meant to be an outdoor plant.
It has a foliage color ranges from light green to dark blue-green, and it has a needle-like or scale-like appearance. If youve decided to grow indoors light equipment is very important. I'm not saying we're actually going to attempt this, but what do you think would cause them to die? These plants need time to establish themselves. Contact the Distribution Center at: 119 Printing and Publications Building Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 50011-3171 Telephone: (515) 294-5247 Fax: (515) 294-2945 https://store.extension.iastate.edu/. Fill a large pot with this mixture and replant the juniper. Shaping and styling the bonsai tree is the most challenging part in growing bonsai because it is where your creativity will be tested. Management includes pruning out diseased branch tips when the plants are dry. There are two types of pruning: the maintenance pruning and the stylistic pruning. Step #3. Yes, very definitely along with the fact 90% of roots were sheared off when dug. They have had 8 months to reestablish with little or no side effects except inner browning which is normal. Like any other plant properly feeding the bonsai tree with nutrients is important to have a healthy growth. I originally thought this may have been due to winter snow or ice, but now I think it is some sort of disease that is beginning to attack the plants, as I have seen other junipers that also are having trouble. 3rd year on I only water once a month if in hot dry summer drought. It is available in dust, wet-able powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-use form. Healthy roots are firm and white in color, so roots with distress should stand out. Weak leaves and branches are the signs that the bonsai tree is infested with aphids. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 to 11, depending on the species. At the time, we thought we were planting high, but after planting, I read how important it is to remove extra soil at the base of the trunk. Grasp the twig and carefully bend it sharply. I guess that is what I actually meant that my sources said it just isnt harmful.I have 20 TaylorsI have experienced all this and they are doing great!! The juniper varieties used in bonsai gardening are trees. No tschotchkies, dust, clutterless is generally far MORE. I'm glad to hear your cedars are doing well in clay soil. Disinfect the pruners with household disinfectant between cuts to prevent the spread of the fungus. After that they should be ready to free range. Knowing some principles about bonsai can enhance ones appreciation of bonsai. I could really use your opinions (the more the better!) Very weird! If your tree has taken on a truly alarming appearance, or even looks dead, it might be time for the Scratch Test. The size of the pot should be proportionate to the size of the bonsai tree. My hollywood juniper has turned brown on the bottom but the top remains very green , in fact, it looks as though it is growing taller and getting deeper, darker green. The clay soil obviously doesn't dry out very quickly. Will look at mine to see if I see similar browning. If a clay-like soil is used water is not absorbed quickly that is why theres a tendency that the bonsai tree will be underwatered while there are also types of soil that can easily retain water that may lead to overwatering. It is best to repot your bonsai tree in spring because it is where the tree is not under pressure in getting and maintaining foliage. We have a significant financial investment in these trees, not to mention all the backbreaking labor required to plant them. You said that if we created a raised bed with amended soil that we would probably lose most of the junipers.
It measures 2cm-3cm depending on its species and it would usually take 1-2 years to ripe. If you spot any insects, identify which species is present to know the appropriate insecticide to be used. Kabatina tip blight infection occurs in fall with similar symptoms as Phomopsis blight but usually only infects twigs a year old or more. The roots are sticking out. If there is a wooly fuzz spotted on the trunk and leaves then most likely the Juniper Bonsai tree is infested with fungus. I don't mean to be overly anxious about our trees, but I also don't want to turn a blind eye and then suddenly lose them all. The canaerti junipers have cedar-apple rust, which we didn't realize when we bought them.
The glue used to keep the stones in place is not healthy for the tree and should be thrown away as soon as possible. Abies nordmanniana rootstock - hardy in Zone 4b? 
The Chokkan is a formal upright from wherein the branches stretch evenly out around it. This kind of pest loves to chew the living tissue or fiber of the branches. By the time the plant outwardly manifests signs of its distress, it may be too late to do anything meaningful. Tip #3. Growing a bonsai tree is not all about gardening but it provides therapeutic value. Guideline #2. If juniper roots are continually exposed to standing water, they begin to rot. I dont want to let this issue go on too long and risk losing them. Try to keep the foliage dry when watering or water early in the day so foliage dries quickly. 
The moss will protect the bonsai tree from pest infestations and diseases. Another option is to repotting your bonsai tree to supply the tree with fresh soil that will encourage compact root system. Given that our canaerti junipers had a pretty bad case of cedar-apple rust, the grower obviously didn't spray these trees in the field to prevent fungus.
By the way, thanks for offering to check your cedars for browning at the centers. The appearance of this browning varies according to juniper variety. The fungi can girdle branches causing the tips to die. Salt damage usually occurs along walkways and roads. To create a more compact bonsai tree, pinch out whole needles that are large or overgrown. Now, buy something for the niches doesn't have to be expensive. You can easily get rid of this problem by spraying water on the leaves through the use of hose so that the ants will be washed off. The most common reason why the leaves are yellowing is that of underwatering, exposure to cold, stress and mineral deficiency in the soil. Insecticides commonly only exacerbate the problem by killing off the spider mites natural enemies. Prune out the diseased branches, making pruning cuts into healthy wood. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. They were buried 4 inches too deep in the field, which is why I had to remove this extra soil after planting them. Growing a Juniper Bonsai tree can be a stress reliever. The answers you received seemed to be valid.
We waited for the slimy orange galls to dry up, and earlier this week we cut off as many of the large ones as possible. What to do??? Once I'd removed 3-4 inches of soil at the base of each, the trees were planted right at grade. I'll take that anytime. Shake needles onto white paper to see if anything appears. He likes to explore the best benefits of bonsai for health, business, and as a whole. Allow your passion guide you in caring and cultivating your Juniper Bonsai tree and all plants and trees in general. My question. Coat the leaves and branches thoroughly. Use your fingers to check the soil. It looks like the window along side got he door has mirrors instead of glass. * Could be normal shedding due to lack of light at center of trees. Some of the symptoms that the bonsai tree is suffering from this disease are swelling of the bark, poor growth, and fading of the leaf color. I really don't want to do this, but I may desperate enough at this point. 
In re-potting your bonsai tree, it is necessary to remove all the old soil as much as you can to avoid contamination on the new soil. The trees seemed to do well over the winter. The amount of water the bonsai tree needs depends on the species of the tree and the soil it is planted in. Those who wish to raise thriving bonsai trees should only bring them indoors for a day or two if needed for a special occasion or to be used as a display. These were B&B trees that were originally grown in some kind of clay soil mixture. Cut unnatural twists or turns that are protruding or displeasing to the eye. When you plant 14 Junipers some are going to have issues and you always will loose a few especially when field dug. Intense cold will quickly kill a juniper bonsai. That could be the issue also. The most effective way to get rid of a caterpillar is by simply removing it by hand. If the color is green then most likely the bonsai tree is still alive but if the color of the trunk is greyish or dark brown then it could be a sign that the bonsai tree is suffering or the tree is dead. ), and the anchors of the landscape design are the 14 juniper trees (6-7 feet tall) that we've planted in various locations. Wipe or dip the blades of a pair of garden shears into the solution to sterilize the blades. This kind of pest is caused by the fungus that can be spread easily especially in moist conditions. We have 3 varieties: canaerti, keteleeri, and spartan. Place your Juniper Bonsai Tree in a secluded location away from other plants to avoid cross-contamination. Step #1: Carefully pluck out dead leaves, dead weeds or dead wood and discard them. And is not restricted to that species. A matching door would look great. One final thingYou said: "If it turns out to be a moisture problem, I'm considering digging them up (my husband will have to move them because they're VERY heavy) and replanting them at least 4 inches above grade. I don't want to let this issue go on too long and risk losing them. Step #3: Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. If you give it tiny drinks then the water will not go to the bottom of the root ball. Note that the first photo shows one row of junipers containing all 3 varieties. Need ideas for this new built in entertainment center. If, however, your little tree has a dried trunk with no green underneath, it might be time to say your goodbyes and perhaps try again with a new tree. )* Could be too much water due to high rainfall. Get those old pizza sauce splatters off your microwave walls with this cute gadget. In the warm months, place the tree in a spot that receives no more than four hours of direct sunlight per day. I'm not sure how much of this is normal shedding versus some other problem that needs to be corrected. We waited for the slimy orange galls to dry up, and earlier this week we cut off as many of the large ones as possible. Pruning the long roots is advisable so that it wont outgrow the pot and to check the if there are sick or rot roots. Since planting these trees last fall, I've been using a moisture meter to monitor the soil and only watering when they dried out. Do not use the soil from the old pot to avoid contamination. Interestingly enough, neither nursery suggested the possibility of cercospora blight. It is a very popular coniferous tree or shrub. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). * Could be insects, but probably too early for that. With the use of branch, cutter trims down overgrown branches to have around and balanced bonsai tree. The small branches may shrink and the trunk feels soft. At least two years. backdrop of the tv. The branches develop cankers where the dead branch sections meet the sections that are still alive.
Feel free to comment your insights, questions, ideas, concerns, and share your bonsai gardening experiences with us below. The bottom looks terrible, what is wrong? The problem is, how do I track down the right answer -- and quickly? As you can imagine, I received a number of opinions: * Could be normal shedding due to lack of light at center of trees. The Shakan is in a slanting position that looks windblown and striking while the Bunjingi has long and twisted trunks with minimal branches. Ant infestation may be a symptom that the bonsai tree is not watered properly. (I actually researched this last night, and found a K-State publication that said all 3 varieties are very resistant to cercospora. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed. Sorry about that. If you have plant or gardening questions, contact the Chicago Botanic Garden's Plant Information Service at 847-835-0972. Each bonsai tree requires specific watering techniques. There may also be a fine web between the leaves or branches. Guideline #1.
(I tried this, but didnt see any evidence of insects. I really don't want to do this, but I may desperate enough at this point. Your water will also require more water during the summer season. Kabatina tip blight generally appears in February and March. That can result in browning of the branches supported by the damaged roots. The other nurseryman said not to disturb them if they've been in the ground for a while, and that we shouldn't amend the soil because the trees have to adapt to it. Bonsais are often sold at mall shops or garden centers that do not specialize in exotic plants. I once lost a whole specimen juniper to voles. If the bonsai tree is alive the twig will bend easily showing moist within. Ive posted some photos below in case it helps. All rights reserved (About Us). Never use any information from Gardenality to diagnose or treat any medical problem. The soil should be able to drain excess water immediately from the pot to avoid overwatering. Narrow Juniper Privacy Hedge for Zone 9b California? It is advisable to fertilize the tree at least once every three weeks. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Phomopsis tip blight shows up later, from April through September. Tip #4. First pic middle-left, 2nd pic right side. Areas with heavy shade and poor drainage allow for moist, slow-drying conditions ideal for the disease to thrive. Just like all trees, they require the light and temperature combination that comes from being outdoors. Photos #2-4 show the browning within the canaerti junipers, and photos #5-9 show the browning within the keteleeri junipers. In the next month or two, were planning to spray them with fungicide to kill off the remaining fungus. Step #1. No fungicides are used to control this disease. Small yellow spots appear first, and as the infection spreads, the leaves die, with the shoots fading to a light green and then reddish-brown and eventually dying back with an ash-gray color. Here are some of the symptoms to look for if the bonsai plant is sick. Both nurserymen I talked with this morning said they typically recommend planting junipers 3-4 inches above grade because of the local clay soil. If we do this, do you think it would be advantageous to create a raised bed with amended soil that will stay drier than the native clay? It is not advisable to water the tree on a routine. Transplanted the trees out when 2' tall and water once a week unless I get over 1/2" of rainfall that week. Cultivars of Chinese junipers (Juniperus chinensis), such as Fairview, Mountbatten and Keteleeri junipers, are relatively trouble-free with good disease resistance. Confirm that the problem is spruce spider mites by holding a white piece of paper below a branch and tapping the branch. If youve successfully acquired your own Juniper Bonsai tree the next step is to start shaping and styling it. During winter, place the tree indoors in bright, but not direct, light. Water the bonsai tree during the morning hours so that the water intake will be properly utilized by the tree. This is not the primary issue we're concerned with, however. Guideline #4. If not convinced after talking to the forum about your concerns you have call your local extension agent and they will come out and tell you what, if any problems, you could have. They often can be seen with the naked eye. At the time, we thought we were "planting high," but after planting, I read how important it is to remove extra soil at the base of the trunk. Water requirements will depend on some factors such as the time of the year (if it is summer or winter), a number of hours exposed to sunlight, size condition and the size of the Juniper Bonsai. Avoid planting new landscape plants that are susceptible to the disease in the same space. Glad you haven't seen any signs of cedar-apple rust.
For what it's worth, all of the scenarios I listed above were offered to me by the local nurseries and extension office, so it's not stuff that I dreamed up on my own (although it does match my own research). First, I'll explain the issues we're having. He recommended removing the mulch during wet spring season to help it dry out. In search of answers about the brown needles at the centers of the trees, I called 3 different places this morning: the original nursery, another nursery we bought plants from, and the master gardener/county extension office.
Carefully scratch a section of the trees trunk with a fingernail. A: I don't think that's cold damage. For small bonsai tree, it is recommended to use liquid fertilizer while for large bonsai tree use granular fertilizer. Wilbert Simson is a bonsai enthusiast who loves to find out cool things about bonsais. LOL..anywayany idea if they are too wet if letting them dry may result in continuing life?. Now the branches are turning brown and falling off. The appearance of this browning varies according to juniper variety. Aside from improper pruning too much nitrogen level and improper fertilizing may lead to Scab or Canker disease. Guideline #3. These were B&B trees that were originally grown in some kind of clay soil mixture. Hope this helps. If a Juniper Bonsai tree is not cared for properly they could wilt or die.
Remove all affected leaves and brush away loose dirt from the roots. It is important to use the right mixture to ensure that the bonsai tree will receive right nutrients. A bonsai tree can die because of poor cultural care, diseases, and pest infestation. It is either too wet or too dry. While pruning off the rust galls, I noticed a lot of brown needles at the centers of all the trees (canaerti, keteleeri, and spartan). The morning and afternoon shade is the best. They range in size from 6- to 9-inches to more than 50 feet tall. It's best to choose disease-resistant juniper cultivars and install them in areas with good sun and air circulation. Im having the same issue with some junipers I planted. Since the type of junipers we planted are said to be resistant to cercospora, I don't necessarily think it's that, but I'm planning to get a hand lens so I can check for the black fruiting bodies that are supposed to be a tell-tale sign. This is usually caused by over-watering the plant. Last October, my husband and I completed a big landscaping project in our backyard (50 trees and shrubs! The canaerti junipers have cedar-apple rust, which we didnt realize when we bought them. Tip #2. If the worst should happen and your little tree is too far gone to resuscitate, remember that all gardening is a learning experience. For a six' tree you will probably need to provide weekly watering for 2-3 yrs. They will tell you all scenarios and create some as to what may be the problem with your plants. The other nurseryman said not to disturb them if theyve been in the ground for a while, and that we shouldnt amend the soil because the trees have to adapt to it. We dug 4-foot-wide holes for each juniper and backfilled with native clay soil (amended with haydite to help aerate the soil & absorb excess moisture). This pest is usually seen on a new stem or on the bottom leaves. The sooner you come to your bonsais aid, the better. I'd wait. Be careful in trimming this part of the roots to avoid further contamination or spread of the disease. Ants will only be a problem if it is in large number. There are some bonsai growers that try to redesign their bonsai trees often. In the past few weeks, weve had quite a bit of rain (around 2 inches), so I havent watered them at all. During the summer, spring and fall season, the bonsai tree should be placed outside where it can receive sufficient sunlight. Just like any other plant, bonsai trees need to be fertilized to have proper nutrients. The cedar apple rust.just let it be!! They also tend to pick on evergreens like junipers because of the protection those plants give from hawks. What can I do to improve my plants? Make tree trimming less work and more fun with this guide at your side, Put on a beauteous show in the garden with a landscape tree awash in flowers just do your homework first, Keep your tree looking lush until the last ornament is packed away with these tips for watering, using stands and siting, Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment, Give yourself frustration-free tree lighting this year the trick is clever cord management, Dont put down that spade! Insect eggs especially underneath the leaves. These usually start with random brown tips, spreading to kill whole branches and possibly whole plants. All nursery personal are programed weather qualified or not to sell shelf products to cure plant aliments. Juniper varieties mask their troubles for quite some time. Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully -- copper fungicides can cause damage if they are applied when the weather is cool and damp and when temperatures reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit. New growth can be protected with fungicide applications in spring. Hinoki Cypress turning brown & brittle - can it be saved? If the bonsai tree is dead then the twigs will snap cleanly with a little pressure and appear dry within.
If the pruning process was not performed properly, the bonsai tree may suffer from Canker disease. Some signs of dormancy are similar to the signs of dead bonsai tree that is why you need to be careful in determining whether the bonsai tree is still alive or dormant. A natural occurrence. Tim Johnson is director of horticulture for the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Trees with root rot will show sections of root that are discolored and mushy. Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that causes junipers to wilt and develop yellow needles that turn brown and fall from the shrub, leaving it looking sparse. Plant diseases can sometimes transfer with dirty garden shears. then it is a sign that your bonsai tree is thirsty. These are the most common pests that can ruin your bonsai tree. It obviously would've been better to do it before we planted them, but I didn't realize the problem then. If it turns out to be a moisture problem, Im considering digging them up (my husband will have to move them because theyre VERY heavy) and replanting them at least 4 inches above grade. This will prevent fungal spread. * Could be normal die-off from the harsh winter temperatures. Mature leaves are more resistant to anthracnose infestation. Removing 3-4 inches of soil at the base of each treeonly necessary if root flair planted to low when field grown. When you look at the needles under a hand lens or other magnification, you can see little black dots (like pepper) that indicate fungal spores. Also they are not dying tells me your watering is not out of balance. Healthy bonsai roots usually have the same color as the trunk. Click here to learn how to give a great answer . The transplanting process itself, the amended soil, or the height of the raised bed? Rock salt, used to melt ice, frequently causes junipers to turn brown. You never usually amend soil since you have done thisleave it. I. They were expensive and I dont want to replace them! Inner die back is normal.
If so, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know what you used. I'm relieved to hear that inner dieback can be normal, although apparently it is also a symptom of cercospora blight. This is a tactic used by many garden shops to make the trees look pretty and to keep the stones from shifting around during transport. In the past few weeks, we've had quite a bit of rain (around 2 inches), so I haven't watered them at all. ".Don't do it. Meet the Gardenality Team. Underwatering may kill the bonsai tree in days while overwatering may kill the bonsai tree in weeks. Phomopsis and Kabatina tip blights are two common diseases of juniper. I would not dig yours up as they appear level also. Pruning is very important in growing a bonsai tree to maintain its size and shape. Increased in sunlight exposure means an increase in water intake while a decrease in sunlight exposure means a decrease in water intake. Even still, it's best to wrap burlap around stakes to make a windbreak around the plant's perimeter as opposed to draping it or securing it right against the needles. Reannan Raine worked for 30 years in the non-profit sector in various positions. This is not the primary issue were concerned with, however. Hopefully they didn't relieve your pocket book of any change trying to diagnose all these potential problems. She suggested spraying the trees with a fungicide whether or not they actually had the disease since it "wouldn't hurt." Im not sure how much of this is normal shedding versus some other problem that needs to be corrected. C-A rust affects all cultivars of Juniperus virginiana, 'Taylors' included. It is difficult to discern the reason your junipers are dying out in sections without photos, but I can offer some considerations. If it turns out to be a moisture problem, I'm considering digging them up (my husband will have to move them because they're VERY heavy) and replanting them at least 4 inches above grade. Step #4: It is best to prune heavily during spring and summer because it is the season wherein the tree is actively growing. This symptom can look like it was caused by mechanical injury, for example if a branch breaks near the main stem. Purchasing a tree that has been raised in a nurturing environment and is in prime health to begin with is the single best thing a bonsai hobbyist can do to succeed. Avoid types of soil that cannot provide good drainage and are liable to build up of salts because it can cause the roots to rot.