Euonymus Stems And Buds Appear Dead After Hard Winter

Question From: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Q: I've read that euonymus will bounce back from the hard winter, but the newest stems and buds on our bushes seem to be dead. They snap right off and nothing about them feels supple or has any green. In some cases, that's true far down the stem. The buds seem brittle as well. I am a reluctant pruner but wonder if that's what we will have to do. Thanks for your help.

A: If there is no green beneath the bark, the branches are dead. Cut back to green growth. Be sure to keep the shrub well watered. I'd also mulch it and fertilize with Hollytone according to package directions. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.