If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-maintain, and space-saving tree for your landscape, the Taylor Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’) is perfect.
Homeowners and landscapers love this tall, narrow tree for its year-round greenery, low maintenance, and excellent cold tolerance. It’s ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, and ornamental features in both small and large gardens.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What makes the Taylor Juniper unique
- How to grow and care for it
- Where to buy the best Taylor Juniper trees
- Common problems and how to fix them
- Comparison with other popular trees
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Taylor Juniper?
The Taylor Juniper is a variety of Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) that was discovered in Taylor, Nebraska. It was introduced in 1992 by the University of Nebraska and quickly became popular due to its fast growth, slim shape, and resilience in cold climates.
Key Characteristics of Taylor Juniper
- Scientific Name: Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’
- Common Names: Taylor Juniper, Taylor Juniper Tree, Juniper Taylor
- Type: Evergreen
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (12-18 inches per year)
- Mature Height: 15-25 feet
- Mature Width: 3-4 feet
- Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours per day)
- Soil Preference: Well-draining soil (adapts to different soil types)
- Water Needs: Low once established
- Cold Tolerance: Excellent (survives temperatures as low as -40°F)
- Drought Resistance: High
This tree is an excellent alternative to Italian Cypress because it can withstand colder temperatures while maintaining a similar elegant, columnar shape.
Why Choose a Taylor Juniper?
1. Slim, Space-Saving Growth Habit
The Taylor Juniper grows tall and narrow, making it perfect for small yards, patios, or areas where space is limited. Unlike wide-growing evergreens, it won’t take up too much room but still provides an elegant touch to your landscape.
2. Low Maintenance & Easy to Grow
Unlike other trees that need constant trimming, the Taylor Juniper keeps its natural columnar shape with little pruning. It’s also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hassle-free option.
3. Thrives in Harsh Climates
From hot summers to freezing winters, this tree can handle it all! It’s highly adaptable and can grow in zones 3 to 9, meaning it can survive in cold, dry, and even slightly humid conditions.
4. Perfect for Privacy & Windbreaks
If you want to create a natural privacy screen, planting multiple Taylor Junipers 3 feet apart can create a stunning hedge that blocks out neighbors, noise, and wind.
5. Deer & Drought Resistant
Many evergreen trees get damaged by deer, but the Taylor Juniper is naturally deer-resistant. It’s also drought-tolerant, meaning you won’t have to water it often once it’s established.
How to Grow & Care for a Taylor Juniper
Growing a Taylor Juniper tree is simple, but following the right steps will help it thrive for decades.
1. Choosing the Right Location
- Pick a spot with full sun—at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- Keep enough space between trees if planting multiple for a privacy hedge.
2. Planting Instructions
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep.
- Loosen the roots before placing the tree in the hole.
- Backfill with soil and press it down gently to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
3. Watering Needs
- First Year: Water 1-2 times per week.
- After Established: Only water during long dry periods.
- Avoid overwatering—too much moisture can lead to root rot.
4. Fertilizing Tips
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.
- Avoid excessive fertilization—too much nitrogen can lead to weak branches.
5. Pruning & Maintenance
- Minimal pruning is required—only remove dead or broken branches.
- If shaping is needed, prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Common Problems & Solutions
Even though Taylor Juniper trees are low-maintenance, you may face a few common issues.
1. Browning or Dry Needles
- Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or winter burn.
- Solution: Reduce watering and plant in well-draining soil.
2. Slow Growth
- Cause: Lack of sunlight or nutrients.
- Solution: Ensure at least 6 hours of full sun and apply a balanced fertilizer.
3. Pests (Bagworms & Spider Mites)
- Cause: Warm, dry conditions can attract pests.
- Solution: Use insecticidal soap or manually remove bagworms.
Taylor Juniper vs. Other Trees
| Feature | Taylor Juniper | Italian Cypress | Spartan Juniper | Emerald Green Arborvitae |
| Height | 15-25 ft | 40-60 ft | 15-20 ft | 12-15 ft |
| Width | 3-4 ft | 3-5 ft | 4-5 ft | 3-4 ft |
| Cold Tolerance | Excellent | Poor | Good | Good |
| Drought Resistance | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | High | Low | Low |
Best for Cold Climates: Taylor Juniper
Best for Tall, Mediterranean Look: Italian Cypress
Best for Medium-Sized Gardens: Spartan Juniper
Best for Small Spaces: Emerald Green Arborvitae
Where to Buy Taylor Juniper for Sale
You can buy Taylor Juniper trees from:
- Local Nurseries – Check garden centers in your area.
- Online Retailers – Sites like Fast-Growing Trees, Monrovia, and Nature Hills offer home delivery.
- Home Improvement Stores – Occasionally available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
Conclusion:
The Taylor Juniper is a beautiful, easy-to-grow tree that makes any yard look amazing. It stays green all year, grows tall but slim, and needs very little care. Whether you want a privacy screen, windbreak, or just a lovely accent tree, this evergreen is a perfect choice. Plus, it handles cold, drought, and pests better than many other trees!
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance tree that adds style and privacy to your space, the Taylor Juniper is a great option. It’s easy to plant, doesn’t take up too much room, and keeps your yard looking fresh and green no matter the season. So why wait? Plant a Taylor Juniper today and enjoy its beauty for years to come!
FAQs:
Q: How fast does a Taylor Juniper grow?
A: Taylor Junipers grow 12-18 inches per year under the right conditions. With proper care, they can reach 15-25 feet tall in about 10-15 years.
Q: Does Taylor Juniper stay green all year?
A: Yes! Taylor Juniper is an evergreen tree, which means it keeps its beautiful green color all year, even in winter.
Q: How much water does a Taylor Juniper need?
A: Once established, Taylor Junipers are drought-resistant and only need occasional watering during long dry periods. In the first year, water 1-2 times per week to help the roots grow strong.
Q: Can I plant Taylor Juniper close to my house?
A: Yes! Since Taylor Junipers grow tall but narrow (only 3-4 feet wide), they can be planted a few feet away from buildings or fences without causing problems.
Q: Is Taylor Juniper deer-resistant?
A: Yes! Taylor Junipers are naturally deer-resistant, which means deer usually avoid eating them. However, in harsh winters, hungry deer might nibble on them.
Q: How do I keep my Taylor Juniper healthy?
A: Plant it in full sun, use well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. A little fertilizer in spring can help it grow faster, but it’s already a low-maintenance tree!