Help! I over fertilised my Junipers

[Oakacer]

I recently switched to a new granular fertiliser which I applied about 3 weeks ago, and now two of my Junipers are showing brown tip growth across their canopy. Interior growth appears green and healthy but tips less so.

I think this is fertiliser burn but I’m not sure. Does anyone have any advice on how to manage this? I’ve removed any fertiliser I can see and have thoroughly flushed the soil through. I don’t think there’s much else I can do but would appreciate any advice. Thanks

 

[Oakacer]

oh, I’ve also applied an Antifungal treatment in case this is a fungal infection, but I’m not convinced by that option.

 

[Paradox]

Granular fertilizer is typically slow release so I don't see how this could be over fertilization. What fertilizer was it and what have your local temperatures been?

What kind of soil are they in, how often do you water? How much rain have you been getting?

 

[Oakacer]

Thanks for your reply. I used this fertiliser

Naruko Fertiliser Slow Release Bonsai Feed - ALL THINGS BONSAI

Naruko Fertiliser Slow Release Bonsai Feed from allthingsbonsai.co.uk selection of bonsai trees, gift sets, kits and accessories for beginners and enthusiasts.

www.allthingsbonsai.co.uk

Temps are about 17C in the day, 10-12C over night and have been for a few weeks. Before that temps were a lot hotter. Both potted in granular, non organic soil. Watered when top layer of soil becomes dry. Rain has covered this for the past few weeks, but needed daily watering over the summer.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

What makes you think you over applied fertilizer? Did you follow instructions or just dump on a bag full? I really doubt a slow release fertilizer would be to blame.If these have been wet due to protracted rains then fungus may be a better choice, or it may must be too much water.

 

[KateM]

Possibly it is developing pollen sacks...

 

[Oakacer]

What makes you think you over applied fertilizer? Did you follow instructions or just dump on a bag full? I really doubt a slow release fertilizer would be to blame.If these have been wet due to protracted rains then fungus may be a better choice, or it may must be too much water.

Mainly because the two trees I applied the fert to have done this, whilst the others I didn’t haven’t, so seems coincidental if not!

But yeah agreed it could also be a fungus, hopefully if so the treatment will fend that off.

 

[Ruddigger]

Looks more like pollen cones to me.

 

[Hartinez]

Im not seeing an issue either. Just pollen cones. Here is a screen shot of fully developed pollen cones.

 

[Hartinez]

an article on Allergies as it relates to juniper. But still makes good reference to juniper pollen.

Juniper pollen allergy (Juniperus) - a quick guide w/ photos. » Allerma™

Juniper pollen allergy: Learn about juniper trees and their pollen. The junipers are sometimes called cedar as well.

allerma.com

 

[Hartinez]

also. I think you'll find with most "organic" or "natural" fertilizers, especially slow release, that it is pretty dam hard, if not, impossible to over fertilize.

 

[Oakacer]

Thank you all for putting my mind at ease. I’ve had a few cones before, but never on every single growing tip on the whole plant!