Elderberry Bush

Question

I have a very large bush that is about 6 or 7 years old. It has had no problems,and has flowered from about the 2nd year, but this year some of the middle of the bush is dying, it had flowers on it before it started now its just hanging. I watered it deep thinking that would help, but it didn’t The rest of the bush is fine and has flowers on all of it. I think it might be all one branch. I would have to cut it out to see. Should I cut the dead branches off? Thank you, Sally Wolfe

Answer 1

Test the branches to see if they truly did die off. Dead branches snap and break off. If the bend and are still pliable, I would leave them.

Inspect the tree for any other signs of pests or disease.

Cankers are the most likely reason for branch or complete plant die off.
In this case you will want to remove any infected plant material.

Here are some links with more information.

https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fphg/elderberries/disease-descriptions

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/cankers-on-trees.htm