Question From: MASSACHUSETTS
Q: New growth on forsythia bushes (an older variety that we did not plant) are shriveling up and turning brown from the top of the branch downwards, with leaves curling. When cutting back dead/dying branches, am seeing a hole running up the interior of the branch--almost as if a borer were hollowing out the branch?
A: Borers do attack forsythia. Cut back and destroy the dead branches. Borers should be treated when the plants are blooming. Timing is key to success. You can cut it back hard. Leaves may also be curling from frost damage. Sharp swings in temperatures. 80 during the day and dropping to 30 degrees for a day or so. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
