Does Parson's Juniper Need Fertilizer?

Fertilize at Planting

• Parson's junipers should be fertilized just after they are planted to ensure that their roots develop and they receive nutrients that will help them grow into strong trees. To fertilize, work 2 teaspoons of 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer into the soil surrounding the juniper. You may also simply spread the fertilizer around its base. Avoid placing fertilizer in the planting hole, as this can damage Parson's junipers.

Fertilizing Growing Parson's Juniper

• Once your Parson's juniper is growing, it will need a different type of fertilizer with higher nitrogen content and lower phosphorus and potassium. Sprinkle a 16-4-8 or 12-4-8 slow release fertilizer at a rate of 1/2-pound per 100 square feet around the Parson's juniper.

Timing

• Parson's junipers should be fertilized twice per season, at the beginning of spring and again in summer. It is a good idea to fertilize before a rain, because rainfall will deeply water the fertilizer into the soil. Avoid fertilizing between July and November, since this can harm trees and shrubs as they ready themselves for winter.

Watering

• It is important to water Parson's junipers immediately after fertilizing. Although Parson's junipers should be minimally watered in general, watering after fertilizing will help fertilizer reach deeper into the soil where roots can absorb it. Adding water will also help prevent fertilizer from burning and damaging the roots. Apply 2 to 3 inches of water to reach the roots.

Considerations

• Junipers may not need fertilizer, according to the University of Missouri Extension. If you live in an area with high quality soil, Parson's junipers may receive sufficient nutrients from the soil, its microorganisms and even from fertilizer you use in your lawn. If your Parson's juniper is growing and healthy, it may not need fertilizer. If it is in a landscape bed and in competition with other shrubs and trees, or if its leaves are light colored or slow growing, fertilizer may be more beneficial.