Unique Features: The Spartan juniper is cultivated variety Chinese juniper selected for its columnar for and bright green foliage. All columnar evergreens are prone to snow load damage during the winter, the branches are bent down or broken and the tree is splayed open.  This can be avoided by binding with cord or wrapping it with plastic deer fencing.  Spring is the best time to prune and a light ‘tip’ pruning will encourage new growth further back on the branches giving a full look to the tree.  When the branches put on this new growth the branches will become thicker, stronger and less prone to snow load damage. The Spartan junipers can withstand heavy pruning and are often used as topiaries. Though junipers are inherently drought tolerant they will need extra water while they are reestablishing their roots.