Juniper turning brown - Ask Extension
My juniper had winter sun damage on the right side last winter. It seems to develop some new growth where I knocked off damaged needles. The right s...
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Juniper turning brown #943408
Asked August 25, 2026, 3:51 PM EDT
My juniper had winter sun damage on the right side last winter. It seems to develop some new growth where I knocked off damaged needles. The right side seemed to regrow earlier this summer.
It seems the entire tree is turning brown now.
Is this a disease? Could it be caused by a calla lily planted nearby this year?
Anything I should do?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hopefully your tree is still alive and can be saved by watering. It needs at least 5 gallons of water per week and when it is very hot more. The soil should not become bone dry. Nor should it be soggy. Junipers usually do not need watering but this is the 4 th year of a drought. Temperatures over 85F are very stressful for trees. The tree is against a light colored stucco house that is reflecting heat and light.
The calla Lily has no effect on the health of the tree except the benefit of getting some water when the calla is watered.
The calla Lily has no effect on the health of the tree except the benefit of getting some water when the calla is watered.
