Question From: S. Mumley - Manassas, Virginia, United States
Q: My new forsythias are loosing their leaves and look poorly. When we bought them they were on sale and were tall and gangly. We are sure that we placed them in a good spot and planted them correctly. Now they look very sad. It is the end of July. I am guessing it is a fungus after reading several articles. There really isn't much to prince but are tall. Thanks for your help.
A: By your own admission the shrubs were not in good shape when you bought them. The soil should have been kept constantly moist, especially when temperatures rise about 85 degrees. In super hot weather I water new planting daily for the first week and every other day for the next week. If you fertilized them with a chemical fertilizer, that added to their stress. I don't have a crystal ball, so I suggest you take samples of the leaves and photos to the garden center or nursery where you purchased them for an accurate ID. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
