Question From: G. Hawley - Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: I have several forsythias spread around/under a large Blue Spruce tree. Had to move them last year slightly - now 2 of the bushes' leaves are very small/dwarf and today I noticed looks like saw dust in the middle of the plants. Several branches are also dead - Looks like some kind of borer is attaching them. I plan on cutting off the dead branches (I know its very hot in July- PA and the bush maybe stressed). But what alse can I do for them ?
A: Keep them well watered. They are competing with the Blue Spruce for water and losing. Mulch the soil around them with 3 inches of good quality organic mulch. The Blue Spruce may not be too happy either. Evergreens are surface rooters and you whacked away a them. Do not fertilize them until late winter or early spring. Espoma Plant Tone would be a good choice. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
