I don't know what to tell you about your tip problem, but may I ask where you got your J. deppeana? Do you have any seeds to share?

It looks similar to what some of my eastern red cedar experienced this summer with top leader. These were with trees that had been cut-over and transplanted and had more than one leader. I eventually cut off the diseased looking leader and increased watering slightly. Believe plant was stressed. Another healtier looking leader took over dominance by end of summer and problem appears to have gone away. Not sure how helpful that is.

scotjute

I dont believe my juniper has the same problem. The leader is very healthy, only one side is having the problem. The problem may be excessive humidity because this year we had more rain than normal.

kman,

I saved my trees from a certain death. I saved them before the bulldozers destroyed them. I do not have seeds yet, they are only 7' tall and growing very very fast. I will see if I can get some seeds for you

osprey

Thanks in advance for anything osprey, or if nothing pans out, thanks for the offer!

"Plants of the Southwest" is advertising they have alligator juniper seed. A web search for that name should turn up the web site.