What's eating my japanese garden juniper?

Japanese Garden Juniper (Juniperus procumbens) is most vulnerable to spider mites, especially during hot, dry summers when populations explode rapidly. Juniper scale and bagworms also cause notable damage. As a low-spreading groundcover, it is easily browsed by rabbits. Early detection and treatment with neem oil or miticides prevent serious setbacks.

Bronze or gray-brown discoloration of foliage; fine webbing between branchlets; worst in July–August heat Apply miticide or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 7 days for 3 cycles; improve air circulation around plants

White or gray crust on foliage and stems; yellowing scale leaves and dieback of affected shoots Horticultural oil spray at crawler stage in spring; hard prune heavily infested sections if accessible

Spindle-shaped silk bags on branch tips; larvae consume foliage inside bags; widespread defoliation possible Hand-pick bags before eggs hatch in spring; spray Bt on young larvae in late May–June

Clean-cut browsing of low-growing stems and foliage at ground level, especially in winter Low wire fencing around garden plantings; repellent sprays reapplied after rain; raised bonsai displays out of reach