This Week in the Garden
When to Give Up on a Shrub

When considering which plants are worth saving and which should be replaced, it’s important to assess the health of the plant by examining the canopy and overall growth. Retired MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist Lelia Kelly explains if a plant shows no green growth at all, it is likely dead and should be removed. Similarly, a plant with very few leaves is unlikely to recover quickly, making it more practical to replace. However, plants with some remaining healthy growth, even if they appear stressed, may still have a chance of recovery. Some pruning, fertilizing, and care can go a long way in restoring these shrubs to health.

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