What am I doing wrong? I got this tree about 7 months ago and it has contiinually moved ever so slightly to brown. I have moved it to a slightly larger pot, but the root ball is very small and didn't look like it was being pressured or anything.
It is inside all the time in front of a window.
I live in Michigan United States and have the four seasons, so I don't believe it should be outside for most of the year.
I'm struggling with this one...any suggestions?

Hello,
I'm no expert at all but it looks like a conifer species to me, which with my research are very hardy trees.
therefore should most definitely be outside year round.
hope this helps, but maybe someone with more experience could answer.

akasdr wrote: What am I doing wrong? I got this tree about 7 months ago and it has contiinually moved ever so slightly to brown. I have moved it to a slightly larger pot, but the root ball is very small and didn't look like it was being pressured or anything.
It is inside all the time in front of a window.
I live in Michigan United States and have the four seasons, so I don't believe it should be outside for most of the year.

You have a Juniper, it needs to be outside. Indoor it will die, if it didn't already.

You must put this outside now, and hope that you have not killed it. There is still some green so it might not be too late. Did not help taking out of the pot but too late for that. The soil looks bad, gravel is not a good substrate, if the gravel is on the surface take it off. Cut the dead parts off but nothing else, water and full sun, no fertiliser until it is healthy and growing.

For some reason I didn't think I should have it outside - since we get snow and freezing tempratures. I thought keeping it inside would be better. Out it goes,

I do some prooning and see what happens.

Thank you all for the comments!

akasdr wrote: For some reason I didn't think I should have it outside - since we get snow and freezing tempratures. I thought keeping it inside would be better. Out it goes,

I do some prooning and see what happens.

Thank you all for the comments!

Junipers, in nature, survive under the snow for entire winters in extremely harsh conditions. Your home is a much more hostile environment to it than most of what it will experience outdoor.

Then sure, being in a pot and not in full ground means extreme cold (below -5 C) can be a threat to it and you'll have to protect it somehow. But I'm quite certain weather is not that bad over there in this season...

DanParker wrote: therefore should most definitely be outside year round.
but maybe someone with more experience could answer.

No need. Your answer is correct.

BofhSkull wrote: Then sure, being in a pot and not in full ground means extreme cold (below -5 C) can be a threat to it and you'll have to protect it somehow. But I'm quite certain weather is not that bad over there in this season...

Mine stay outside all weather. Also -20c dips in winter.

What I am reading from the others is good advice. However, if you are worried about extended periods of freezing temperatures, you can bring it indoors, so long as it’s only temporary, and you choose an unheated room (like a garage). Also temperature related, is to be sure you are placing your juniper in position to get the morning sun, and afternoon shade (especially important in hot weather). As equally important to your tree’s survival is how you water it. That’s going to depend on a variety of factors like day-to-day climate, type of species, and even the individual tree itself. As a general rule of thumb, water in the morning, and then check throughout the day to see if it needs more. Finally, I know it sounds basic, but make sure you are using the right soil mixture. For your juniper you can buy a conifer mix, or mix your own. If you choose to mix your own mix 3 parts Akadama with 1 part compost, and 1 part grit. Getting the right soil ensures your tree will get the right nutrients, oxygen, and water retention. I hope this was helpful.

That was very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain it all.