Taylor Juniper Trees - The cypress of the North

by Jesse Sloetjes

If you’ve been searching for the perfect vertical accent for your garden—something that offers the elegant, slender look of an Italian Cypress but can actually survive a Canadian winter—the Taylor Juniper (Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor') is your answer.

 

Often called the "Italian Cypress of the North," this hardy evergreen is becoming the top choice for homeowners in the Niagara Region and beyond. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of Taylor Junipers and why they might be a better fit for your yard than the classic Emerald Cedar.

What is a Taylor Juniper?

The Taylor Juniper is a cultivar of the Eastern Red Cedar. Unlike its wild cousins, which can grow quite broad, the 'Taylor' variety has been bred to stay exceptionally narrow. It features dense, blue-green foliage that maintains its color well through the winter, occasionally taking on a handsome bronze tone in extreme cold.

 

Key Fast Facts:

  • Hardiness Zones: 3–9 (Extremely cold-hardy)

     

  • Mature Height: 15–20 feet

     

  • Mature Width: Only 3–4 feet

     

  • Growth Rate: Fast (Up to 3 feet per year once established)

     

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun (6+ hours)

     

Top Benefits of Planting Taylor Junipers

1. The Ultimate Space-Saver

Because they rarely exceed 4 feet in width, Taylor Junipers are perfect for narrow side yards, framing entryways, or creating a privacy screen in small suburban lots in towns like Fonthill or Grimsby. You get the height you need without losing half your lawn to a wide tree.

 

2. Superior Drought Tolerance

Once established, Taylor Junipers are incredibly "water-wise." While Emerald Cedars can be finicky and prone to browning if they miss a few waterings, the Taylor Juniper thrives in dry conditions. This makes them ideal for the hotter, drier summers we often see in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 

3. Deer and Pest Resistance

If you live in a more rural area like Pelham or Smithville, you know that deer treat many evergreens like a buffet. Fortunately, Taylor Junipers are highly deer-resistant. They are also resistant to many common diseases like cedar-apple rust that plague other varieties.

 

4. Windbreak for the Niagara Escarpment

Properties in Vineland or along the lake in Port Colborne and Fort Erie often deal with heavy winds. The Taylor Juniper's sturdy, flexible branches make it an excellent natural windbreak that won't snap under the pressure of a Southern Ontario gale.

Taylor Juniper vs. Emerald Cedar: Which is right for you?

Feature Taylor Juniper Emerald Cedar
Shape Strictly Columnar (Narrow) Pyramidal (Wider at base)
Water Need Low (Drought Tolerant) High (Needs consistent moisture)
Soil Preference Adaptable (even clay/rocky) Prefers rich, well-drained loam
Foliage Color Silvery Blue-Green Bright Emerald Green
Hardiness Zone 3 (Tougher) Zone 4/5

Planting and Care Tips for Success

To get the most out of your Taylor Junipers, follow these simple professional tips:

  • Avoid "Wet Feet": The only thing this tree hates is soggy soil. If you live in a low-lying area of Welland or Stevensville with heavy clay, plant your tree on a slight mound to ensure drainage.

     

  • Spacing for Privacy: For a solid "living wall," space your trees 3 feet apart on center.

  • Mulch Correctly: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to suppress weeds, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

     

  • Sun is Non-Negotiable: Do not plant these in the shade. They need the full force of the sun to keep their foliage dense and vibrant.

     

Where to Buy Taylor Junipers in Niagara

While many big-box stores focus on Cedars, specialty nurseries in the Niagara Peninsula are starting to stock more Taylor Junipers due to their rising popularity. Find them here at Niagara Tree Company.

Ready to Upgrade Your Curb Appeal?

Whether you're looking for a formal Mediterranean look or a rugged, low-maintenance privacy screen, the Taylor Juniper is a high-performance choice for any Ontario landscape.

Back to News