Question
Hi Mr. Gulliksen,

I planted my burning bush in the early spring of this year. It seemed to do fine throughout the summer. I watered it frequently when I first planted it, and tapered off to once a week there-after. Our  climate is hot and dry (Albuquerque, New Mexico). Now that we are in Autumn, there isn't the bright red color I was expecting. The leaves are looking yellow to a light brown, and seem to fall of easily. The branches are still green.

Others that I have seen in my area are looking really good. We have had some rain, and I have continued to water once a week. I also put some winterizer around it about a week ago. Uggh! Can you help me? This is my one of my favorites!

Kris  

Answer
Kris,
It sounds like the Euonymus was attacked by two spotted mites. These insects suck the moisture out of the leaves causing them to dry out and fall off.
The best thing to do at this time is to treat the shrub with a 1.5% to 2% (depending on the temperatures) rate of horticultural oil, making sure that the branches and bark evenly. In the late spring, treat it with an approved miticide to control the next generation.
Fertilize it well this fall to help strengthen it through the winter months.