Question
I moved to my present home in May of 2007.  Along the front of the house there were shrubs....green leaves...very thick and well maintained.  They were nice all Summer long.  I assume they were ok this winter....but TODAY I was shocked when I looked at them and they were very thin...leaves turning a brown or redish brown color and falling off. It looks like they are all dying.   On the green leaves that are left there are several BLACK SPOTS on each leaf.  The leaves are about 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long.  They are evergreen and were beautiful bushes.  I hate to loose them..especally for the cost of replacing them.  I am sorry I do not know what exact kind of shrub it is.

In the worse case...could I cut them back to about eight inches and hope they would grow back disease free.

Right now they are probably three feet thick from the walk to the front of the house...and about 20 feet in length.  The prev. owner had then shaped very nicely.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Mr Cline

Answer
An identification of the plant would help us figure out what is going on.  Could you please ask a neighbor or someone what kind of plant you have.  Maybe they are some kind of holly.  Then respond back and let me see if I can provide an answer to your problem.  Thanks.