Burning Bush Did Not Drop Leaves

Question

Planted burning bush that has been grafted onto a tree trunk last fall (September timeframe). Bush did not get to bright red, which I expected with when it was planted. However, it never lost its leaves and currently has them still (end of April). They are brown and dry but have not fallen off. The tree is showing new growth, but no new leaves yet. Do I need to remove the leaves or with they fall of on their own? Tree was winter watered regularly and fertilized with tree and shrub mix in early spring.

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Answer 1

The picture is quite blurry, so it is difficult to get a good look at the damage. Most trees and shrubs will need watering to be halted throughout the winter, and this looks to be damage from overwatering.

Pruning anything dead off will help, as long as it is completely dead. Doing too much pruning will result in the loss of the grafted top, however.

Here is an article that will offer information on the care of the shrub:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/burning-bush/burning-bush-care.htm