Q.Smoke Bush Dead Or Alive?
How can I tell if part of my Smoke Bush is dead. I have leaves on the lower branches and one other branch. When I cut some of the branches not leafing out it appears that it is still alive. There is some green just under the bark. Also it looks like most of the branches not blooming have had cold weather damage and are dry. I planted this bush about 4 years ago and this year it appears to not be doing well.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Try pruning it and see if that encourages leaf growth. On the lower branches, determine if the smoke tree was grafted, there will be a visible place near the base where you can see a bulge or a line across the trunk. If it is grafted, you need to remove the suckers coming from below the graft.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
