Dear Thomas,

Thank you for using Ask Extension.  I'll try to help you with your question.

For most of Ohio the weather this summer has been extremely challenging for establishing young trees. In addition to the stresses that come along with transplanting, the lack of rain and high temperatures have made this even more difficult.  

From your photo It looks like the tree is either under-watered or over-watered.  But in order to help eliminate other causes, have you looked closely at the branches of the tree for either insect or fungal diseases? I can't tell from the photo but are the tips of the small branches brown? If so, the tree may have twig blight (Juniper Twig Blight (psu.edu).

If your answer to insect or fungal damage is a no, then we can look at your watering practices.  You mentioned that you watered this summer - great!  The amount of water a tree needs is based on the tree trunk's diameter.  To get an accurate measurement for trees with a diameter of 1" - 4 ", you should measure 6" above the soil level.  For trees larger than 4" you should measure 12 " above the soil level. Watering newly planted trees and shrubs | UMN Extension

Spartan juniper trees generally require very little water, doing well with just natural rainfall for their irrigation needs. When first planted, they should be watered two to three times per week for the first month. After that, only water when the soil is dry—if you stick your fingers in about 6 inches and the soil isn’t moist, you need to water. Once established, junipers need very little supplemental irrigation. They are one of the most drought tolerant plants in our landscape and can actually suffer from over-watering. You can also check to make sure your soil is draining well to make sure you haven't overwatered.

What to do now - Check the branches.  If they are still pliant and supple, the tree may recover.  Check the moisture level of the soil 6" below the tree weekly. When it is dry, water. 

Good luck!