How to Plant and Care for a Hollywood Juniper Tree

Quick answer

Plant your Hollywood Juniper in well-draining soil with full sun, water deeply until established, then only during dry spells. Prune sparingly to maintain its natural sculptural shape.

Step-by-step planting and care guide

1. Choose the right location: Pick a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Avoid low areas where water pools. If your soil is heavy clay, plant on a slight mound or mix in coarse sand or gravel. Check drainage by digging a 12-inch hole, filling it with water, and timing how long it takes to drain. If it takes more than 4 hours, improve drainage or choose a different spot.
2. Plant at the correct depth: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly to settle air pockets. Planting too deep is a common mistake that suffocates roots. If the root ball sits below grade, lift it and add soil beneath.
3. Water correctly after planting: Water deeply immediately after planting, then give 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid wetting the foliage. After the first year, water only during extended dry periods (2-3 weeks without rain). Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, wait.
4. Mulch, but don't volcano: Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips or bark) around the base, keeping it 3-4 inches away from the trunk. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature. Piling mulch against the trunk causes bark rot and invites pests. Always leave a donut-shaped gap around the stem.
5. Prune sparingly and at the right time: Remove only dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. The Hollywood Juniper's beauty comes from its natural twisted form; heavy shearing ruins its character. Never prune into bare wood (the inner part of the branch without needles). Junipers rarely regrow from old wood, leaving a permanent bald spot.
6. Fertilize lightly, if at all: Hollywood Junipers are light feeders. If growth seems slow or foliage looks pale, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) once in early spring. Otherwise, skip fertilizer entirely. Over-fertilizing leads to weak, leggy growth that is more susceptible to pests and disease. Less is more.

Product spotlight

• Hollywood Juniper Tree: The Hollywood Juniper Tree features a unique, upright growth habit with dense foliage and twisted branches that create a dynamic focal point. This architectural form means you should plant it where its shape can be seen from indoors or along a pathway, and avoid heavy pruning that would ruin its natural silhouette.