How to Build a Fence for a Juniper

Run a line of fence posts down each side of a line of junipers. Extend chicken wire from ground level to 18 to 24 inches above the expected snow line, recommends the University of Minnesota Extension. Attach cable ties or staple chicken wire to the posts. This will prevent winter damage to your trees by foraging rabbits. Younger and newly planted junipers in particular need such protection.

Place three stakes around the southwest and/or northwest sides of a single juniper tree or group of trees. Position the stakes roughly an equal distance apart, forming a 90 degree angle, or alter the stake placement as needed to afford more protection to the trees along one side. Face the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by the stakes toward your trees. Sink the stakes to a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 feet. Staple burlap to the stakes along the sides of the triangle, leaving the hypotenuse side open. Leave the top of the fencing open. The fence height should equal or exceed that of the junipers. This type of fencing protects junipers against winter burn and prevents browning due to desiccation. Pfitzer juniper, Irish juniper, newly planted junipers and previously damaged junipers may require such protection. Surround the whole tree or tree group with the fencing, rather than leaving one side open, if your trees have had browning damage occur on all sides in previous years.

Drive wooden stakes or metal fence posts into the ground surrounding your outdoor planters containing juniper. The required height of the stakes depends on the height of your junipers. Encircle the posts with chicken wire by bending the cut ends of the wire to hook the ends to the mesh for a simple method of securing the fence. Run plastic cable ties through the mesh to attach the wire to each stake. Since the fence may need to support snow weight, use at least three ties per stake, equally spaced along the length of the stake. Fill the interior of the fence with leaves or loose straw. Cover the fencing by tying a layer of burlap, then a layer of plastic over the wire to prevent wind from dislodging the insulating material, suggests the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County. Container-grown plants may need this type of added protection to prevent being toppled in high winds and to prevent root damage from occurring in freezing temperatures.