Question
Hi. I have a young privet hedge that I planted in the ground about eighteen months ago, after growing them in pots for about a year. I have given it plenty of care by watering every day. I have noticed the last two or three weeks that one of the shrubs in particular has taken a turn for the worst by getting yellow curly leaves mostly from around the base of the plant which have now started to drop off. Do you think this has been caused by over watering or has it got something like Wilt.I haven't watered for about a week. Can you see it making a recovery if I let it dry out?

Answer
Hi Gary, A newly planted shrub might need water every day in the summer, but one that's been planted for 18 months should not.  I suspect from your description it has been over-watered.  A thorough watering every 3-5 days (and maybe longer) should be enough, but check your soil about two inches down and see if it feels moist.  If not, then water it, but water deeply and as infrequently as possible.  If a root rot disease has set in, it may not survive, but privet is a tough plant and allowing it to dry may be all it needs.  Jim