Many western juniper woodlands have advanced to a point where prescribed fire is no longer a viable management option. For example, in extremely dense stands, prescribed burning would be both hazardous and expensive. Warm dry conditions are necessary for fire to carry in western juniper woodlands. Often mature open stands can be used as fuel breaks. For best results, trees should retain their needles and fuels should be fairly continuous.
Western juniper tends to have more resinous foliage than many other species.