Controlling Weeds in Established Blue Rug Juniper Groundcover

The Challenge of Weeds in Dense Juniper

A 15-year-old blue rug juniper planting on landscape fabric has weeds and grasses growing through the dense mat. Lifting the juniper to replace fabric would severely damage the plants.

Effective, Low-Impact Solutions

• Pre-emergent Herbicide: Apply Preen (or similar) in spring to prevent weed seed germination without harming junipers.
• Spot Treatment: Use a sponge applicator (side-swipe wand) with a non-selective herbicide to target individual weeds precisely.

Why Not to Disturb the Planting

Mature juniper roots are extensive and fragile. Digging or lifting causes irreversible damage. Chemical prevention and targeted spot treatment are the only practical long-term strategies.