I need some help with my deteriorating dwarf viburnums. We were advised these are florida native and drought/heat_ salt tolerant. We planted 70 as new landscaping in July 2023, we lost 3 shortly after planting but most seemed to take ok. In the past 1 month we have started to see browning and die back on random areas of many of the shrubs. Also we see some red/purple leaves which I think is normal for wintering. We have lawncare that has put down a root simulator agent in the past and also sprays as needed monthly for fungal/pest concerns. I also uploaded a photo of a very healthy looking one with lots of new growth. Please help. I don't want to lose them all!
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One issue I can see right away is the uncovered black weed fabric. It should either be removed and replaced by organic mulch or be covered with organic mulch. The fabric absorbs heat and transmits it to the soil and can cook the roots. Covering it will cool the soil and protect the roots. Yes, if you cover it weed seeds will have something to grow in but they will be fairly easy to pull out of the mulch.
We are covering the fabric with rock next week. Unfortunately our run off water runs horizontal across out lot and takes mulch with it. Out temps have been much milder 60-80s over the past 2 months. The plants survived 100+heat of July/august/sept in the same growing conditions.
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