Spirea Branches Breaking Off And Some Plants Have Leaves Only On Bottom

Question From: L. Kvarta - Crown Point, Indiana, United States
Q: I have several different types of spireas around my landscaping. They have been planted for longer than 10 years! They are all in some sort of distress or dying. A lot of branches just break off of them. Some have leaves on the bottom of the plant but no where else. I live in Indiana and we have had a very wet spring, so they have had plenty of water. I need to help !!!

A: How about last summer. Did they get water during those heat waves? Cut back the dead branches and fertilize them with Espoma Plant Tone according to the package direction. Mulch around the base of the plants with a good organic mulch and be sure to keep the soil moist trough out the summer. They should revive. If not replace them. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy