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Shrub Trouble- burning bush #869982

Asked May 24, 2024, 4:43 PM EDT

Last question in my tree/shrub trouble series- my burning bushes. I have 4 along the side of my house in my flower bed. They are only about 3-4 years old, and this year they really got big compared to previous growth. However, in the past week I have noticed red spots on the leaves, with red tips on some of the newer leaves. Some of the leaves have started to turn red and fall off. This seems to be similar to what is happening to the serviceberry in the back of the house. The burning bushes face the west (the trees face north), and the flower bed they are in is in between the house and the driveway. The soil is very hard and compacted. They have a very thin layer of mulch around them (trees in back do not have mulch around them). Thanks for your help in identifying the potential tree/shrub problems and hopefully what can be done if it will harm the trees/shrubs!

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Maria -
Overall, your burning bushes look healthy to me.  The problem you seem to have is leaf scorch.  It's due to our weather being too dry, and too hot.  Your shrubs probably need more water.  Or, it could be scorch caused by too much fertilizer.  Here is a link that explains it well, as well as a link about Burning Bush in general.  
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/leaf-scorch-2-911/
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/euonymus-diseases-insect-pests/
I hope this helps you.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 27, 2024, 3:11 AM EDT

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