What's eating my dahurian juniper?

Dahurian Juniper (Juniperus davurica) shares the pest profile of other low-growing junipers. Spider mites and juniper scale are the most common problems, causing browning and dieback. In cultivation, aphids colonise new growth and bagworms may be present in warmer US climates. Deer browse low-growing forms in winter.

Foliage bronzes and dulls; fine webbing between needles; worst in hot, dry summer conditions; plants on dry, exposed sites most vulnerable. Spray water or neem oil over all foliage; apply miticide in severe cases; mulch around roots to retain soil moisture and reduce plant stress.

White encrusting scales on stems and needles; infested branches yellow and die; damage spreads slowly over multiple seasons if uncontrolled. Dormant horticultural oil in late winter; systemic insecticide at crawler stage in spring; prune out dead infested material.

Colonies on young stem growth; sticky honeydew promotes sooty mould; ants actively tend and protect colonies, prolonging infestations. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; control ant traffic to interrupt aphid protection; introduce ladybirds and lacewings.

Browsing of low, spreading branches in winter; repeated browsing prevents establishment of young plants and stunts mature specimens. Tree guards and repellent sprays on young plants; fencing around new plantings; deer-resistant companion shrubs as a buffer.