Question
I planted 20 red tip photinas in a row, spaced about 3 ft apart, about 3 1/2 years ago.  The row is along the east side of a 6 ft tall brick wall, and is watered semi-regularly.  All bushes are now between 8 and 10 ft tall, except for 3 bushes in the center, which have always been relatively sickly and small.  1 of these 3 has been replaced twice, and has just died again.  I know nothing about gardening, and need to know... is it possible to have a "dead spot" in the yard?  If so, is there any way to "cure" a "dead spot"?  Or do I need to remove the spot and replace with new soil?  If so, what kind of soil, and how deep should I go?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Dave, Photinias are very susceptible to a leaf spot disease.  If the foliage turns black, you'll need to spray a good fungicide to stop it, and it will be a regular routine.
If we can rule out leafspot, then have your soil tested.  The pH should be between 5 and 6.  If the soil test doesn't solve the problem, other problems include poor drainage, voles or possibly some herbicide residue from a previous owner.
Dig the dead one up and look at the roots.  Are they rotted?  Do they smell bad?  Fill the hole with water to see how long it takes to be absorbed.  This will quickly tell us if it's drainage, to little or too much.
The best way to test for toxins would be to send it to a lab for testing.  My way (aka the poor man's way) is to plant something like elephant ear bulbs in the location and see if they grow funny or die.  If they don't grow, then we know it's something in the soil.  Jim