My Ligustrums are dying! Why?

Question

My Ligustrums are dying off! Why? We re-did the whole backyard 4 years ago and planted all new foliage. The whole perimeter around the backyard is Ligustrums for privacy. All was going great and then plants where all growing well. THEN…About a year ago, one started dying and we asked the landscapers to check into and treat the plant. They treated and trimmed down the Ligustrum tree all the way to down towards the base for new regrowth. THEN 6 months later, the Ligustrum next to it started to dye! And about 3 months ago we had a hurricane which knock down the NEXT (3rd) tree and the landscapes lifted it back up to see if it would survive. That one (the 3rd) is dying too. I have read about Fungus and took photos. IF this is fungus, (1) how quickly can it spread to the other trees, (2) how long will it take to treat, (3) and recover??? In my photos you will also notice the Ligustrum trees that dyed are next to two Large Oak Trees. COULD the Oaks effect the Ligustrum??? ALSO, read dogs can effect the trees. I have one female dog that roams the backyard. Can one dog be the cause???? I need help!!! These trees are EXPENSIVE to replace. Thanks in advance to any expert that can help me…

Answer 1

Oak trees can have an affect on some trees, as they have tannins. If there is dog urine, this can make the soil too acidic, or put too much ammonia in the soil. It does not look fungal, but it could be.

My best guess is that the acorns are causing this. I would try and remove as many as possible as they fall.

Here is an article on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/ligustrum/growing-ligustrum-shrubs.htm