How and when do you prune juniper bushes?

Answer 1

Actually they are very forgiving....depending on the type pruning you are going to do. If you must shear (grrrrr) then only during the growing season. Last season shearing might expose open stems which will be ugly all winter.

If you hand prune thru thinning and heading back cuts, then any time is fine. I like to do mine in Nov/Dec and use the trimmings to make or enhance holiday evergreen wreaths and decorations. Since I'm allergic to juniper, I always wash them in sudsy water before bringing them indoors.

Answer 2

My wife also trims them in December and uses the trimming for Xmas decorations.