Sick evergreen bush - Ask Extension
I have an evergreen bush in my front yard that I thought was dead. I went to cut it out this morning and noticed new buds growing. Do you know...
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Sick evergreen bush #869098
Asked May 19, 2024, 12:46 PM EDT
I have an evergreen bush in my front yard that I thought was dead. I went to cut it out this morning and noticed new buds growing. Do you know if I should continue getting rid of it, or see if it will recover? It's about 30 years old. I have two others that are healthy. I'll try to attach 2 photos. Thank you.
Jennifer
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your question. It's a good sign that there is new growth, but the new growth is very short and stunted, so whatever caused the stress is still causing stress. Unfortunately, the shrub will not fill in the gaps or spaces along the branches that are currently bare, so it will always look a bit unusual.
But if you want to continue investing resources, you can! See how it does this year and perhaps make a decision in late summer or fall.
There is something that has affected this shrub and not the others - could it be irrigation? Sidewalk salt?
If you decide to dig it up and replace, I wouldn't have concerns about replacing it with another mugo pine. Just watch the mature shape and size of the new one you plant, as there is significant variation in this species.
Thanks for your question. It's a good sign that there is new growth, but the new growth is very short and stunted, so whatever caused the stress is still causing stress. Unfortunately, the shrub will not fill in the gaps or spaces along the branches that are currently bare, so it will always look a bit unusual.
But if you want to continue investing resources, you can! See how it does this year and perhaps make a decision in late summer or fall.
There is something that has affected this shrub and not the others - could it be irrigation? Sidewalk salt?
If you decide to dig it up and replace, I wouldn't have concerns about replacing it with another mugo pine. Just watch the mature shape and size of the new one you plant, as there is significant variation in this species.
