Dead Blue Rug Junipers – Why You Must Cut Them

Q: My backyard is terraced with Blue Rug junipers that have died. I want these removed. I’m told because it is a hill they must be cut at ground level, not dug out. Why?

A: Possibly the advice to cut them off at ground level and leave the roots was because of the threat of erosion if they are removed. Junipers do not sprout back from being severely pruned. Once the stems are cut, the roots will hold the soil in place and you can plant anything you want between them.