Cotoneaster Shrub

[gail7624]

*Hi! I am having a problem with my cotoneaster hedge.* What was a beautiful mature and healthy hedge earlier this summer, the leaves of my cotoneaster hedge now are turning like it's fall and dying off.* I can find no evidence of any insects.* Should I be spraying with a herbicide?* I am fairly new to gardening, so please fogive my ignorance!* I would appreciate any suggestions.

gail7624

[Newt]

Hi Gail,

Unfortunately more info is needed to say what is wrong.* You don't say where you live and that might tell me if you are experiencing drought conditions* which could cause what you see.* There are many varieties of Cotoneaster, some are evergreen and some are deciduous.* I'm thinking yours are deciduous and the leaves are turning their fall color now.* That could be from environmental stress, a fungal or bacterial disease or insect pests.* Look closely at the branches to see if there are any growths.* Those growths might even be oozing a liquid. Are the tips of the branches in a hook-like position? * Look for insect pests on the limbs or under the leaves or any webbing.

Let me know what you see upon closer examination and if you are experiencing a drought and we'll see if we can find out what the problem is.* You were smart not to spray anything without knowing what the problem is as you could potentially stress the plants even more.

Newt