Juniper
Juniperus chinensis
Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 8–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Juniperus chinensis
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Blue Point'
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 8–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~8 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
- Tolerates
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Spider mites in heat
- Phomopsis and Kabatina tip blight
- Cedar-apple rust alternate host
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers (less for xeric pines in heavy clay, they're prone to root rot). Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, evergreens transpire year-round. Year 3: taper to twice per month in summer; only during extreme drought thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Juniper good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Juniper is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Juniper get?
- It matures to about 8–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide.
- How much room does Juniper need?
- Give Juniper about 8 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Juniper grow into?
- Juniper typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Juniper hardy on the Front Range?
- Juniper is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Juniper need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Juniper grow?
- Juniper is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Juniper live?
- Juniper is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Juniper native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Juniper deer-resistant?
- Juniper is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Juniper prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Juniper can be affected by spider mites in heat and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
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See also
Related trees
