Taylor Juniper

Growth rate: Moderate growth rate. Reaches a mature height of 15-20 ft and about 5 ft wide

Please note: Images on our website depict plants and trees at full maturity to showcase their expected grown characteristics. These images are illustrative examples only and do not represent the size of plants or trees upon delivery.

Pruning: Taylor Juniper typically requires minimal pruning. If desired, trim lightly in early spring to maintain its shape and remove any unwanted or dead branches.

Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive growth and to maintain its natural form.

Winter Protection: Though cold-hardy, in areas with extreme winter conditions, consider providing a windbreak or wrapping young trees with burlap to prevent windburn.


Planting the Taylor Juniper (Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor') is a breeze! Choose a location with well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, then gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. During the first year, regular watering is crucial to help the tree establish its root system. With proper care and attention, your Taylor Juniper will thrive and become a magnificent addition to your landscape.

The Taylor Juniper thrives in full to partial sunlight, so ensure it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. When it comes to watering, provide consistent moisture during the tree's establishment period, especially in hot weather. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Monitor the soil moisture and water as needed, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

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The Taylor Juniper typically reaches a mature height of around 15 to 20 feet and has a spread of about 3 to 6 feet. It is a compact and narrow evergreen tree known for its slender, columnar growth habit.

The Taylor Juniper is drought-tolerant once established and generally does not require frequent watering. When it's newly planted or during periods of extended dryness, you should water it deeply. Here are some general guidelines:

Establishment Phase: Water regularly during the first year after planting to help the tree establish its root system. Provide deep watering every 2-4 weeks or when the soil around the tree feels dry.

Mature Trees: Once the Taylor Juniper is established (usually after the first year), it typically requires minimal watering. Water only during prolonged droughts or when the tree shows signs of stress, such as wilting or browning foliage.

Watering Technique: When you do water, provide a slow, deep soak rather than frequent shallow watering. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil.

Soil and Drainage: Ensure that the soil around the tree has good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots, as Junipers prefer well-draining soil.

Rainfall: Take into account natural rainfall when determining the need for additional watering. If there is sufficient rainfall, you may not need to water as often.

Remember that overwatering can be detrimental to Taylor Junipers, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Monitoring the soil moisture and the tree's overall health will help you determine when to water.

The Taylor Juniper thrives in a variety of soil types and is known for its adaptability. Here are some key considerations for the best place to plant it:

Sunlight: Plant the Taylor Juniper in a location that receives full to partial sunlight. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Soil: This juniper is adaptable to various soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.

Spacing: Provide enough space for the tree to reach its mature size without crowding. Typically, space Taylor Junipers at least 6 to 8 feet apart.

Climate: It is well-suited to a range of climates, including hot and dry regions as well as areas with cold winters. It's known for its cold hardiness.

Wind Exposure: Consider wind exposure when planting. Taylor Junipers can tolerate some wind but may benefit from protection in extremely windy locations.

Landscaping: Taylor Junipers are often used for hedges, screens, or as specimen trees. Plant them where their upright, columnar form can enhance your landscape.

Maintenance: Keep in mind that Taylor Junipers require minimal maintenance once established, so choose a location that is easily accessible for occasional care.

Overall, the Taylor Juniper is a versatile tree that can thrive in a variety of planting locations, making it a popular choice for landscaping.

The Taylor Juniper is well-suited to a variety of climates, making it a versatile choice for landscaping. It can thrive in the following climate conditions:

Cold Climates: Taylor Juniper is known for its cold hardiness and can withstand cold winters. It is suitable for regions with freezing temperatures and snowfall.

Hot and Dry Climates: This juniper is also adaptable to hot and dry climates. It can tolerate drought conditions once established, making it suitable for arid regions.

Temperate Climates: Taylor Juniper can grow well in temperate climates with moderate rainfall and seasonal temperature variations.

Coastal Climates: It can do well in coastal areas, provided it is protected from strong salt-laden winds, as it may be sensitive to salt exposure.

In summary, the Taylor Juniper is a versatile tree that can thrive in a wide range of climate conditions, from cold winters to hot and dry summers, making it a popular choice for landscaping in various regions.

Taylor Junipers thrive in locations that receive full to partial sunlight. Here's a simple guideline for their sunlight requirements:

Sunlight: Taylor Junipers prefer at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. They can tolerate partial shade but tend to grow best when exposed to full sunlight for a significant portion of the day.

Providing them with adequate sunlight ensures that they develop their characteristic upright, columnar shape and maintain their vibrant green foliage.

When planting Taylor Junipers, it's important to space them properly to allow for their mature size and ensure they have enough room to grow. Here's a simple guideline for spacing:

Spacing: Plant Taylor Junipers approximately 5 to 6 feet apart. This spacing allows each tree to have enough space to grow and develop its distinctive columnar shape without crowding. It also ensures proper air circulation between the trees, which can help prevent disease and maintain their health.

By following this spacing recommendation, you'll create an aesthetically pleasing and well-structured landscape with Taylor Junipers.

Yes, you can trim or prune a Taylor Juniper. Trimming can help maintain the desired shape and size of the tree, remove dead or damaged branches, and promote healthy growth. Here are some simple tips for trimming a Taylor Juniper:

Timing: The best time to trim a Taylor Juniper is during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid trimming in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.

Tools: Use sharp and clean pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts. Disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning to prevent the spread of diseases.

Pruning Techniques: When pruning, focus on removing dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that disrupt the desired shape of the tree. You can also lightly shape the tree if needed.

Avoid Over-Pruning: Taylor Junipers are relatively low-maintenance, so avoid excessive pruning, as it may harm the tree's natural form.

Safety: When pruning, wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from scratches and debris.

By following these guidelines, you can safely trim your Taylor Juniper to keep it healthy and looking its best.

Taylor Junipers can turn brown for several reasons, and addressing the underlying cause is essential to restore their health. Here are some common reasons why Taylor Junipers may turn brown:

Drought Stress: Insufficient watering, especially during dry or hot periods, can cause the needles of Taylor Junipers to turn brown. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained.

Overwatering: On the flip side, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the foliage to brown. Make sure the soil allows excess water to drain away.

Disease or Pest Infestation: Taylor Junipers can be susceptible to diseases like cedar apple rust or pest infestations. Inspect the tree for signs of disease or pests, such as discolored needles or visible insects, and treat as necessary.

Poor Soil Drainage: Taylor Junipers prefer well-draining soil. If the soil is compacted or does not drain well, it can lead to root problems and browning foliage.

Winter Burn: In cold climates, exposure to harsh winter conditions, including strong winds and low temperatures, can cause browning of the foliage. Consider protecting the tree with burlap or anti-desiccant sprays in winter.

Pruning Stress: Improper pruning or excessive trimming can stress the tree and result in browning. Follow proper pruning techniques and avoid over-pruning.

Environmental Stress: Other environmental factors like pollution or road salt exposure can contribute to browning in urban settings.

To address browning in your Taylor Junipers, identify the specific cause and take appropriate action. This may include adjusting your watering routine, treating for pests or diseases, improving soil drainage, or protecting the tree during harsh weather conditions.

The best juniper for a privacy screen depends on your specific needs and growing conditions. While Taylor Juniper is a popular choice for privacy screens, other juniper varieties may also be suitable. Here are a few junipers commonly used for privacy screens:

Taylor Juniper: This juniper is known for its tall, narrow growth habit and dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for a privacy screen. It can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet or more.

Blue Point Juniper: Blue Point Juniper is prized for its attractive blue-green foliage and upright growth. It can reach heights of 12 to 15 feet and is often used for screening purposes.

Spartan Juniper: Spartan Juniper is known for its tall and slender growth habit, reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet. It forms a dense screen with dark green foliage.

Skyrocket Juniper: Skyrocket Juniper is a narrow, columnar juniper that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It is an excellent choice when space is limited.

When selecting a juniper for a privacy screen, consider factors such as your climate, available space, desired height, and the specific visual characteristics you prefer. It's also important to provide proper care, including regular pruning and maintenance, to ensure your privacy screen junipers thrive and provide the desired screening effect.

A good substitute for Italian Cypress, especially in regions with different growing conditions, is the Taylor Juniper. Here's why Taylor Juniper makes an excellent alternative:

Adaptability: Taylor Juniper is more adaptable to a wide range of climates compared to Italian Cypress, which is more suited to Mediterranean regions. It can thrive in various soil types and climates, making it a versatile choice.

Growth Habit: Like Italian Cypress, Taylor Juniper has an upright and columnar growth habit, which is ideal for creating tall, narrow screens or hedges. It provides a similar elegant and formal appearance in the landscape.

Disease Resistance: Taylor Juniper is known for its resistance to certain diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice. Italian Cypress can be susceptible to certain issues, which may not be a concern with Taylor Juniper.

Size Control: While Italian Cypress can grow very tall (up to 60 feet or more), Taylor Juniper can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet, making it more manageable for most residential landscapes. It allows for privacy screening without overwhelming the space.

Native Species: Taylor Juniper is a native North American species, which can be a more ecologically friendly choice in some regions. It may also require less water than Italian Cypress once established.

In summary, Taylor Juniper is a suitable substitute for Italian Cypress due to its adaptability, similar growth habit, disease resistance, manageable size, and native status. It offers many of the same benefits while being better suited to a broader range of environmental conditions.