My burning bushes aren't full at all. The branches sill feel green, and there are some tiny buds on them.

Sherry M
by Sherry M
Any idea what might be going on?
  11 answers
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on May 24, 2012
    how long have they been in the ground? Are there only buds but no leaves?
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on May 25, 2012
    There are a few insects that trouble burning bush. If you post a photo perhaps we will be able to help you out.
  • Sherry M Sherry M on May 26, 2012
    I'll try to get a photo up soon. They've been in the ground 5 or 6 years. There are some leaves, but many bare branches with these tiny buds. :(
  • Sherry M Sherry M on May 31, 2012
    OK. Here are four photos. Tell me what you think. There are three bushes; all of them have these same issues, but one is the worst of the three.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jun 01, 2012
    Lightly nick the wood and see if there is green just under the bark. If there is, your shrubs are still alive. Was this a sudden decline in the plants?
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Jun 01, 2012
    Wow - this is very curious! Have you dug around the base to see if there is any gnawing from voles?
  • Sherry M Sherry M on Jun 01, 2012
    @Douglas, most of these dead-looking branches seem to be green, and yes, a sudden decline. Last year, and years past, these things have been gorgeous! I honestly just thought maybe they were getting a "late" start. @Walter, no, I haven't dug around the bottom. Would I know what vole gnawing looks like?
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jun 02, 2012
    Hmmm, I thought burning bush was pretty indestructible. Can you think of anything that has changed since last year?
  • Sherry M Sherry M on Jun 02, 2012
    Not a thing. Is it time to let them go? Meaning get rid of them?
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Jun 02, 2012
    Gnawing tooth marks will be very obvious.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jun 03, 2012
    You could cut them way back and see what happens. At this point I don't think you have anything to lose.