Shrub diagnosis

Question: MSU plant experts -

I am the president of an HOA in a community in Okemos. Not sure if we have a shrub/tree disease issue, but there are six shrubs of the same variety located within a mulched area island, on the large common area. These shrubs have been stressed and unhealthy for several years (see attached current photos). It looks as though someone has already pruned one of the shrubs (ie. last photo). Probably the healthiest of of the six.

I would like to know if one of the MSU staff believe there might be a problem with the shrubs/trees, and if so, a diagnosis for pruning or treatment, or should they be removed?

Given the joint ownership by all homeowners of all of the common area plants, and language in our bylaws restricting any one homeowner from doing any work on common area plants, I cannot remove an entire plant to bring it in for diagnosis.

Thank you in advance. 

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2024, 5:17 PM EDT
response: There obviously is a problem with your shrubs, but I need to know what this shrub is before I can ID the problem. I will say this… your third image shows limbs that are dead and need to be removed.  The dead limbs in image #2 should be removed at ground level.  If you can give me more info about the type of shrub, the issues you are observing, and info re. Age of shrubs, insects or diseases you have observed, etc., I may be able to address the problem. Are these shrubs watered? If so, how often and in what wat. How old are they?  Have they been fertililuzed and otherwise cared for?  Re. The identification…does this shrub bloom? Do you have any older pictures the shrub when it was healthy? Please let me know all that you remember and know about this shrub. Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 29, 2024, 7:58 AM EDT
response: Hello CJ,    Another option for diagnosing your shrubs is to send pictures and full descriptions to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics lab on campus. Please email digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>.  They may be able to ID your problem without seeing a sample. If they do request a sample, the link below tells you how to submit one.   https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/ Due to the coronavirus, the lab no longer accepts drop-off samples; they must be mailed. Give them as much information as you can possibly think of, i.e., when did this problem first begin, do you see insects, drooping shoots, cankers (oozing sores) on the trunk of the tree, etc.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 29, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your suggestion. I emailed and included images to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics lab at <personal data hidden> over two weeks ago and have not heard back from anyone. CJ Savona Sent from my iPad On Jul 29, 2024, at 7:58 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you for following up. I don’t know the shrub variety as the shrubs were planted approximately 10 years ago by a contractor working for the builder. I moved into the neighborhood 6 years ago.I’ve reached out to the builder to help track down the landscaping contractor. Waiting on a response.   No obvious signs of insects on the shrubs. Shrubs, and al plants in the common area, have irrigation.  Three days per week in the growing months of May - September, at 15-20 minutes per watering.   My observations are that the shrubs had not been pruned properly or regularly after planting, nor been treated for disease. It wasn’t until I joined the board of directors for the HOA that anybody had even asked these types of questions. Started a ftilization program this year. The shrubs have the most healthy growth at their base.   That’s all the relevant info I can think of at the moment.    Sent from my iPad On Jul 27, 2024, at 5:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 12:46 PM EDT
response: Hi CJ, I understand your frustration with maintaining your association’s landscape. Sometimes it seems we’re the only ones who care.  I am sorry the MSU lab hadn’t replied to your email query. They are probably swamped. I’m in the process of trying to reach someone there to find out when you can expect a reply regarding your shrubs. I’ll let you know as soon as I find out any information. Thank you for your patience.  In the meantime, keep the shrubs well watered (moist, not soggy) until the ground freezes. We typically do not recommend fertilizing in August or later, as that can flush out new growth that will not be winter cold hardy. If you add a little nutrition right away, it should be ok…but don’t wait long. Like you, I suspect that these shrubs are stressed simply from lack of maintenance since you have found no evidence of disease or insects.

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response: Hi, CJ -- Just checking, did you hear from the diagnostic folks?