The old upright Pfitzer juniper planted near my front door has grown too large for the space. R. Rubin, Springfield, MO A. Large junipers like yours have to be pruned with a gentle hand. Because this tree rarely develops new growth from bare stubs or branches, it's important to keep as much green foliage as possible.
Junipers do tolerate some tip pruning.
But don't shorten branches by more than one-third, and don't cut into the leafless zone at the center of the plant. Hold off on pruning until May or June - the best months in your region. Be sure the new tree will fit the available space when it's mature. There are dozens of juniper varieties to choose from, including those with creeping, pyramidal or upright growth patterns. Height at maturity ranges from less than 1 ft. for a Bar Harbor juniper to 50 ft. for an Eastern red cedar.