Question From: B. Standard - FOREST HILLS, New York, United States
Q: Our 3-year-old andromeda suddenly wilted and lost leaves in early summer. Many of the remaining leaves were black or spotted. The bark still looks fine. It still sits in near-death, with few green leaves left. I am suspecting vandals may have dumped a beer or whatever on its roots. This is because our Rhodo had a similar problem at the same time, but seems to be coming around. Should we replace the Andromeda (boohoo) or hope for the best. Thanks so much.
A: Beer will not kill the shrub. Urinating on it will burn it and can kill it. If this is the second sudden death of a shrub I'd be suspect. Shrubs don't usually die overnight. I'd take a sample of the live and dead shrub to your local nursery that sells these plants. I might also take a soil sample - see if you can sprout some grass there. It may be contaminated. Irrigating the soil with clear water - about 2 inches twice a week will help to clear the soil. Do not fertilize the plants as that will add more salt to the soil. Hope this helps, Nancy and Happy Yardening.
