Heading back - involves removing the terminal portion (end) of a woody branch by cutting it back to a healthy bud or branch. Heading back will stimulate shoot growth, below the cut, thus making the plant more dense. Repeated heading back, with no thinning cuts, results in a top heavy plant.

Pruning is a gardening practice that is frequently misunderstood and incorrectly practiced. All too often gardeners wait until a plant has out-grown its intended space before they decide to prune. Other gardeners incorrectly view pruning as an annual spring or fall ritual that must be done --- sometimes when it is not needed.

 

I have visited homes doing landscape consultations where one spouse has gone crazy with the hedge shears to the despair of the other spouse.  You can correct the problem by selectively thinning the branches. Over time the shrub will return to its original form, unless it has been done over a long period of time.  Old junipers may be too far gone and it might be time to remodel the landscape.  I would also suggest a good pair of hand pruners and loppers as a Christmas gift. 

 

A great place to find more in depth pruning information is NC State Pruning Shrubs or visit the professionals in the garden center at Pinehurst.