Hi -is it in regular soil, or grit (the gravel on top doesn't count unless it goes all the way through). BTW, before I forget, you always measure a plant from the top to where it enters the soil - you didn't say how tall the pot was after all. Also, never ever sit a pot in water (like the saucer) because the water wicks back in and rots the roots as yours probably did, though the worst problem has likely been watering much too often. Whether or not the soil on top is dry is not the point - junipers should be allowed to dry almost all the way in between waterings, but that is also confusing because the tree really should be in mostly grit, not any kind of 'soil', and therefore water should run right through it and be allowed to drain away, so even an extra watering won't kill it. The grit can be many types, look at the bonsaisite.com Soil Forum (under General Discussion) for what to use, and only add a little bit of organic components to the grit, all mixed together. Your tree may already be gone - they take a long time to show it, but if not, then give it what it needs and doesn't need... www.bonsai4me.com has basic information on junipers.

you did not say.. you knew.. and used the paper trick .. i made a presumption .. forgive me ... God help me.. lol ... and you are 100% sure they are juniper... all to often peeps who drop in from the sky ... use all kinds of common names ... and we provide all kinds of answers.. and when a pic is finally posted.. it isnt a pine tree... and we have wasted a lot of time and effort ... and finally ... are you in Arkansas.. or OH ..??? not that i think it matters .... but it might ... what i believe you are asking.. is whether Js have dormant buds or not ... so that is you cut back ... will they rebud like trees might ... the general answer for conifers is no they dont ... Js however are a bit more aggressive with resprouting.. but i wouldnt bet the farm on then doing such ... cut back to any side branch that is unaffected ... a pic will get you a full latin ID ... as there are many types of Js ... as well as better suggestions as to how to prune them ... ken ps: i would also suggest you look into juniper tip blight ... which has caused me to destroy many of the Js in my collection just north of the MI/OH border .. as i always wonder.. what came first.. the bug or the disease stressed plant ...

Patrick, I'm in the same situation and so interested to hear about the responses. Some of my junipers actually didn't survive. My problem is bermuda grass. We tilled up and pulled up but couldn't get down far enough for the long roots of the bermuda or we would be digging earth out from underneath our fence. I think we are somehow going to need a bobcat to completely renovate but limited expenses won't allow this. I'm overwhelmed and just want the land to go away in that area.

It's a Hollywood juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa') and that species is prone to several tip blights. It is also prone to spider mites in hot, dry climates, but the damage would tend to be a bit more uniform throughout the plant rather than just focused on the branch tips. Without a closer examination (not really possible online). I'd lean heavily towards one of the tip blights. You can take a portion of the damaged limb to your local extension service for a proper diagnosis. FWIW, established junipers need very little supplemental watering.........like none :-))