Knowledgebase
Japanese Yew: stalks turning brown and dying. #770022
Asked August 31, 2021, 11:55 AM EDT
Harris County Texas
Expert Response
A few questions:
- How long ago were they planted?
- Was any fertilizer recently applied?
- Were any herbicides recently applied near the shrubs?
- Is the bed on an automatic irrigation system? If yes, how often are they watered.
- Tap a healthy branch against a sheet of white paper, do you see any tiny spider-like creatures walking on the paper?
Thanks for the question.
A month ago, No fertilizer, no herbicides, irrigation is Automatic. 2 minute spray zone 3 times a week.
No spider creatures at all.
I believe that you are seeing some transplant shock which can occur on newly planted shrubs. The watering for shrubs should be deep at least 6" and infrequent. Turn off the irrigation to that bed because it will cause more issues since the water isn't getting deep enough. Soak the base of the plant to at least 6". Do not water again until the soil has dried, stick a long screwdriver in the soil, if it comes out moist it is OK, if it is dry, soak again.
Go ahead and prune out the dead branches.
Thanks
Will do. Thanks for your help.