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Arbutus unedo strawberry tree deceased!

Little JanLittle Jan Posts: 43
in Problem solving
Hi I had a arbutus growing in my garden and noticed over last year the leaves browning. Well it gave up the ghost earlier this year and I have dug it out and not replaced with another tree. The tree was about 4 years old and growing well until then. The plants around it ( yew hedge and mahonia) are fine but I have noticed that here is a shrub now browning and unconcerned there is a disease in the soil ?? Is there anything I can do to test at all? I would hate my other plants to suffer 😞 many thanks in anticipation 

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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I don't know the answer, but my neighbours have a Arbutus that's been there for about 15 years - it's plainly dead this year - just a few crispy brown leaves on bare branches.
    I think I recall the leaves being quite spotty last year.
    A friend also has one in her front garden - been there for about 5 years - it's also plainly dead. Again just a few crispy brown leaves.
    Not much help I'm afraid, but maybe some consolation knowing you're not alone.
    Aside from a lack of water I don't know what the problem may be

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Little JanLittle Jan Posts: 43
    Thank you Pete , consolation indeed ! 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited June 2020
    There is a fungal leaf spot if not pruned out can eventually develop through to the branches causing die-back, which results in brown leaves and dried up branches, but they seldom kill the whole plant. I suspect it may be competition from surrounding areas or not enough air flow in the space you are growing them in.

    What did you replace it with? Was the original shrub planted in a sunny spot? They do far better in full sun than semi shade. 
  • Little JanLittle Jan Posts: 43
    Hi borderline sorry I haven’t replied sooner . The shrub that’s growing is a variety of hypericum and has been in the garden before we moved in. It has flowered partly but isn’t happy . If might well be congestion . Can I test the soil at all before replanting once I have thinned out some plants ? 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited July 2020
    I'm afraid I have no experience about testing soils. Someone else may know more about it. I personally don't think it is to do with something in the soil that caused your Arbutus shrub to die.

    Not sure about the Hypericum. They are usually tough shrubs, but if you believe it is struggling, there may be over-crowding and competition for water in the soil. Quite a few Hypericums are evergreens and Arbutus shrubs are evergreen. If planted quite close to one another, they form a canopy that average rainfall may not be able to penetrate.
  • Little JanLittle Jan Posts: 43
    Yes that’s something to think about , thank you, I want a screen of plants but really need to think about spacing. 
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