Spring is a time for plants to grow and green up. While some may take longer to show signs of new growth, others may shows signs of poor health. Here are some signs to look for when trying to determine if your shrub is dead or still dormant.

Signs Your Shrub is Dead

Looking around your yard this time of year, you should notice grass getting greener, leaves returning to trees, and spring bulbs blooming. You may also notice some plants that don’t look so great. Here are some signs your shrubs are in trouble:

1. Discolored leaves. Dry, brown, wilting leaves could be a sign of dehydration, but if it doesn’t bounce back after watering, it could also be a sign of disease or death.
2. No new growth. Some shrubs may not bloom in the spring, but if there’s no sign of new growth then there’s a larger issue.
3. Brittle branches. If the branch has no leaves and breaks easily when bent, it’s likely dead.

If you notice these signs but are still unsure of your plant’s health, do a simple scratch test. Scrape a small piece of bark with your fingernail or knife. If it’s moist and green underneath, this is a sign of life. If it’s dried out and brown, RIP plant.

When a small part of your shrub shows these signs, it could be saved by properly pruning the dead sections. However, if a large percentage of the plant is dead, then it’s best to remove the whole thing.

Determining Cause of Death

There are many reasons why your plant could have died. Here are a few conditions:

• Disease. Leaf spots and bark growths are signs of fungal disease that can be treated if caught and diagnosed properly.
• Pests. Bitten leaves and signs of insects is also treatable once correctly diagnosed.
• Root Damage. You’ll have to do a little digging to determine if roots are the issue. Gently dig around the base of the plant until you can access the roots. Firm, light-colored roots are healthy. Mushy, dark-colored roots are rotting.

One of the easiest ways to determine if your sick shrub is treatable or dead is to contact a plant care professional. A specialist recognizes the signs of plant distress and death, offers treatment options when needed, and can also advise on how to prevent future plants from falling victim to the same fate.

If your grass, trees, shrubs, and other plants look like they need a little help this season, contact Green Image Lawn Care for a consultation. We offer programs to manage different disease, insect, and nutritional issues to help maintain and strengthen the greenery in your landscape.