Miniature Mountain Laurel Bushes Have Brown Leaves After Harsh Winter

Question From: Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: This winter was very cold and in spring and some of my minature mountain laurel bushes have brown leaves..this never happened before. I rake up the brown leaves but can these bushes be saved? They are about 10 years old, I have 10 tall bushes.

A: Barbara, Hopefully the new buds will emerge. Be sure to keep them well watered. If you see no green in a couple of weeks I'm afraid they are goners. You can also scratch the bark in a few places. It should show some green if there is still life.