dying shrub? - Ask Extension
A burning bush shrub has dried up quickly after being in place for over 10 years. We returned from a 4 day vacation to a dying appearance/ dried leave...
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dying shrub? #876410
Asked July 08, 2024, 6:17 PM EDT
A burning bush shrub has dried up quickly after being in place for over 10 years. We returned from a 4 day vacation to a dying appearance/ dried leaves that come off easily upon contact. I have tried slowly soaking it over several days but wonder if this will help save this bush or is there anything else to do to save this?
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Four days is not a long time for a shrub that was healthy to suddenly be in decline. However, it has been hot and dry and burning bush are susceptible to drought. You did not mention whether your shrub receives regular watering. If it's on a drip system, perhaps it's not watering deeply enough. However, if you have been watering it for several days it may now have received too much water. The signs of overwatering can be the same as underwatering because the roots will be starved of oxygen.
You can test how wet the soil is by inserting a screwdriver into the ground near the base of the shrub. If it's wet then hold off watering until it dries out.
You can test how wet the soil is by inserting a screwdriver into the ground near the base of the shrub. If it's wet then hold off watering until it dries out.
