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.
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.
