Now have a Juniperus 'horizontalis'

20 years ago

Unfortunately, I was out of town during our little snow storm and my upright juniper is now horizontal. It is planted next to the house on the west side and is falling away from the house. From what I can tell the soil was thawed enough that that it is partially uprooted. The trunk, although bent, looks okay.

So my dilemma is what to do. The tree is about 15 feet tall and it is very heavy. It took me and a friend to hold it upright. I am guessing several hundred pounds at least. So how in the world do you hold that much weight up? I guess staking it, which would require one hell of a stake, or try roping it to the house. Attaching it to the house makes me nervouse since it is so heavy. This is assuming the tree is okay and if staked hopefully it would anchor itself over the summer.

Or I accept that it is a gonner. It is in a spot in the front of the house that would be a nice spot for something a little more interesting than a green, upright juniper. Something like a weeping white spruce.

Anyhow, any suggestions/help would be appreciated. I will be contemplating it while I shovel. Just got home this morning. If I do get rid of it, any suggestions for tree company in the twin cities would also be appreciated.

Thanks. Josh

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Comments (4)

Julie
20 years ago
We had that happen to a juniper out back a few years ago- we tied it to two other trees- one just for a while- and the other rope will probably come off this year. When ours "tipped" it ripped roots too- so we have been patiently waiting new root growth to help stabilize the tree. Ours is still looking good- and should be able to stand on It's own again soon.
I guess, if you like the tree and have the time and willingness to wait it out- it surely can be worth the effort to help it heal- in my opinion-
Julie
P. S. My Mugos are doing the Limbo!! I do hope they "remember" to stand back up again....
ginkgonut
Original Author
20 years ago
Good to know it is possible.

After doing a little reading on the web, I am thinking this may be a continual problem. The way it is planted now, the foundation blocks the roots from growing out on 2 sides. They can go about two feet and then will hit the foundation. Those are the roots that have been pulled up. So even if I get it upright I don't know if the tree will ever able to achor itself enough, thus requiring a permanent staking/bracing.

Still thinking about what to do. Any thoughts still welcome.

Josh
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zenpotter
20 years ago
We have had Rainbow Tree trim trees for us and really like them. They aren't the cheepest, but came with good recommendations. They would probably give you advice on what to do. They will come out and give a free estatement.

Pauline
leaveswave
20 years ago
Just my opinion, I would decide 'gonner'. Sounds like it's really too close to the foundation. 15' you can take out yourself. Some cities have yard waste sites you can drop off material, often for free; they typically open around May.

Am I right in my understanding that you are also looking for suggestions on what you might replace it with? If so:

http://www.mntrees.org
http://www.mnpower.com/treebook/
http://www.midwestlandscapeplants.org/index.cfm
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/components/0545frame01.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7502.html

(Sorry for not making them live links.)

Keep in mind, overhead lines, underground utilities, soil type, amount of sun and moisture.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.