How can I encourage juniper shrubs to bear more berries?

Question

Many years ago my dad employed a farm assistant who was also a nursery worker. He brought a few buckets of juniper to Dad’s farm and, by chance, one of them was accidentally turned over and began to grow – the rest were meant for other spots but were neglected and died. From what I have read, there must have been two shrubs – one male one female – in the pot. At any rate, the shrubs are now over 12 feet tall, wild and unkempt. I use juniper each year when I make fresh Christmas wreaths; not a lot, just to mix in with the greenery. Some years there are plenty of rich, blue berries. Other years there are practically none. Does the “pruning” that I give here and there help, or hurt? How can I encourage consistent berry production? Thanks!

Answer 1

Pruning junipers can be tricky because of their "dead zone." If you cut into that, no new leaves will grow. As long as there is a male and female in close proximity, and it does not get disturbed often, you will see a good fruit set.

These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/juniper/care-of-junipers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/juniper/overgrown-juniper-pruning.htm