Symptoms of root injury include stunting, foliage yellowing, branch dieback, low vigor, and sometimes rapid plant death. Damage is more common on prostrate and horizontal forms of juniper. Laboratory analysis is normally necessary to diagnose fungal pathogens associated with rotted roots. To avoid root rots, plant junipers in well-drained soils and away from locations where water has a tendency to puddle or stand for extended periods. Do not use nonporous, plastic mulches as a weed barrier in juniper plants.
Plastic mulch inhibits water and air movement and is detrimental to root growth.
Instead, select organic mulches and breathable fabrics for weed control in planting beds. Selections of Juniperus horizontalis and J. sabina appear to be particularly susceptible to root rots and should not be planted in heavy, poorly drained soils.