These bushes look healthy... - Ask Extension
These bushes look healthy but for the large parts that don't get leaves. The same thing happened last year and I trimmed off the part that did not get...
Knowledgebase
These bushes look healthy... #188485
Asked June 04, 2014, 11:47 PM EDT
These bushes look healthy but for the large parts that don't get leaves. The same thing happened last year and I trimmed off the part that did not get leaves, but this year is even worse. What is happening and what should I do? In past years (not last year), they got beautiful pink flowers and were beautiful and healthy. I’m not sure what I did (or did not!) do to these bushes.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
You probably haven't done anything wrong. Many trees and shrubs have failed to develop normally this year due to the combined effects of severe drought and harsh winter conditions.
If the bare twigs and branches are supple and tissue under the bark is green, it's possible leaves will still emerge. However, if and when the bare parts are certainly dead, removing what's dead and shaping the shrubs as you did last year is recommended.
If dry weather returns, be sure to water the shrubs well until the soil freezes.
If the bare twigs and branches are supple and tissue under the bark is green, it's possible leaves will still emerge. However, if and when the bare parts are certainly dead, removing what's dead and shaping the shrubs as you did last year is recommended.
If dry weather returns, be sure to water the shrubs well until the soil freezes.
