Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: A tough winter into a nearly non-existent Spring meant plant die-off
Audio PlayerThere’s no doubt that 2019 gave us brutally cold weather and a nearly non-existent Spring. That’s translated to plenty of plant die-off. In my own yard, I’ve lost 2 burning bushes that had been there for at least a couple of decades.
![](https://gardenbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/front-August-2018.png)
They sporadically sported leaves but were mostly naked except for the shoots coming up from the ground. Turns out mine weren’t the only burning bushes that flamed out.
![](https://gardenbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/burning-bush-2019.png)
I spoke with my local nursery owner who said he heard the same thing from a LOT of his customers.
My niece, who planted a lovely Japanese Willow last Spring lost it.
![](https://gardenbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Japanese-willow-problem-leaf-out.png)
Newly planted trees and shrubs didn’t have the best chance as their roots are not well established yet. I advised my niece to check with the nursery she purchased from, some are offering discounts on new plants. They aren’t really responsible for the weather, so they didn’t offer a full refund.
As for my other burning bush, I’m going to let one of them be and see if those sprouts will amount to much. Mostly because I’m curious.
![](https://gardenbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Burning-bush-with-sporadic-leaf-out-6-2019.png)
The major issue with that burning bush was its location. WAY too close to the foundation of my home and the front sidewalk.
![](https://gardenbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/burning-bush-chopped-with-sprouts.png)
I had chopped quite a bit off when I moved in because it was hanging over the sidewalk. I then had busted branches from ice dams.
I’m curious what YOU’VE experienced in the winter/spring of 2019. Send me an email at tkgardenbite@gmail.com or share on my Garden Bite facebook page.
I see plenty of evergreens that are more ever brown.
I will say the yews I have really managed to the cold and very heavy wet snow too.
![](https://gardenbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/yews.png)
Send me your comments, questions and suggestions for future bites and tell me what’s growing in your garden!