Blue Star Juniper Help

[Jerome]

We have about nine blue star junipers planted on a southern slope in our front yard. These were planted late June. The majority of them are doing great. There are a few of them that have several branches whose needles are all brown. In all cases these branches are nearest the ground (mulch). We have been watering these on an average of 2 times per week depending on the weather conditions here in upstate NY. Why are the lower branches turning brown (dried out)? Also, there is one branch that has been damaged (almost broken in half) but all the needles are still green. Is there anyway to repair/nurse this branch or should we prune it? Does pruning apply for the dried out branches as well or will they grow new foilage?

Thanks !

[Pam]

Twice a week is quite a lot of water for something as durable and as unthirsty as a juniper. Because of the slope and because I don't know your soil conditions and the manner in which you water, I would hesitate to say for certain this is an overwatering issue, but it sure sounds like it. The mulch may be holding in too much moisture and encouraging some fungal problems. Prune out the damaged branches - they will not refoliate

- and cut back on your watering and the plants should recover.

pam - gardengal