Q.yellow ligustrum – total leaf drop
yellow ligustrum – gradual leaf drop affecting five shrubs. Now it’s May and almost bare. Will leaves grow back or do plants need to be sprayed?

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
These are hardy evergreens, and quite invasive in our area. Please be careful with this bush so that it does not invade other yards. Now to address the issue... It sounds like a fungal issue, and I don't recommend copper fungicides. I know that they are the go-to, but they leave the soil toxic, and pose health risks. There are better methods.
You will need a handful DOLOMITIC LIME and tablespoon of WETTABLE SULFUR. Both are inexpensive, and completely safe to use.
Depending on the severity of the issue, though, it may already be too late for your shrub.