Knowledgebase

Can this tree/bush be saved? #925104

Asked February 26, 2026, 3:25 PM EST

This viburnum just fell down following the recent storm, with its root ball intact. Can we put it back or is it dead? Thank you.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

We can't tell if it would be able to recover and root back in before dying from the damage or stress, since exposed roots that dry out may die from desiccation, especially if they are also exposed to a freeze. (Roots in the ground are much more insulated than any exposed out of the soil.) You can try to replant it promptly and see if there's a way to anchor it so its top-heavy nature doesn't tip it over again as it roots over the next few months. If the foliage currently on the plant dries out and falls off, that might not indicate the branches have died, as sometimes a plant will shed leaves that it can't support while a root system recovers, and afterwards dormant leaf buds on the branches can fill back in again.

It's unusual for an evergreen Viburnum like this to blow over, especially if partially shielded from wind by a nearby wall, so its blow-down may have indicated a problem with some prior root loss due to rot (if kept too wet) or drought (if not watered during dry spells, as we've experienced during the past couple of years). Given what appears to be a roof downspout outlet that empties very close to where the Viburnum seems to have been growing, the roots getting too flooded at some point may have been a contributing factor.

If you replant and the shrub seems to be doing ok, keep an eye on its watering needs since a compromised root system won't be able to access as much soil moisture during periods of dry weather. The linked page has guidance for watering trees and shrubs. As soon as it's replanted, water the root ball well to help rehydrate the soil among the roots.

Miri

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