Question
There is a hedge(approx. 30-40 years old) between our house and a neighbor who just moved in last fall.  The neighbor decided to spray weed killer on weeds below the hedge.  Apparently he sprayed the hedge.  Parts of the hedge are now brown - DEAD!  If you snap a branch it is dry.  Is there any chance of saving the hedge?  And will it spread to the remaining hedges?
Thank You. Spring City, PA

Answer
More then likely the herbicide was one that kills on contact and not a soil active herbicide. If so the damage is what has been done and will not increase. I would ask the neighbor what hericde he used and check its mode of action (contact of absorbed by the roots.) Go to www.google.com and type the herbicide mane and check it out. Prune the dead branches off and water the remaining parts. The watering will dilute the concentration of herbicide. If the root system has not been damaged the the hedges of this size should have a good root system and respond with new branches.