First of all, I can't even tell what it is, because it has been so horribly mangled by the landscapers (fired at end of season, new company should be much better!). I have been asked to evaluate a bunch of shrubs for saving vs. shovel pruning by the HOA. I can't evaluate, unless I know a) what kind of thing it is and b) is it even worth the effort.
So here's the poor specimen, hanging on to a few last sorta interesting leaves, and some lacecap-style seedheads:
Here's a closeup under indoor light of the seedhead with a few leaves
In my opinion, most shrubs are absolutely Rasputin-esque in their "will to live." A little TLC, or even just some benign neglect, and I would suspect that it will coming roaring back to life. In time, you might find it aesthetically responsible to remove some of the most damaged branches.
Scott
Regardless it will have to be moved, since the city is going to tear up that section to install a sidewalk. So pruning WILL happen, if it doesn't get pitched out. I really need to know what it is, so I can relocate it appropriately.
It's a Cornus of some kind
OK, I guess that narrows it down.
GreenJ:
There are two forks in the path of your question.
One: what kind of shrub is it? I am leaning toward Cornus as well, but your closeup shot was a bit too fuzzy, and it doesn't show any of next year's buds. If you could take another one, from about a foot further back, and add a stem with the buds showing. Not too much to ask...
Two: Save or shovel-prune. Unless it is the only one of it's kind in town (or you have unlimited resources to landscape around this property), a shrub in that condition is not worth the time of day. The time (= $$) it would take a landscape contractor to move it would far outstrip the value of buying and installing a new one in far better condition. This is a common mistake made by people undertaking landscape renovations. The emotion of saving every green plant overrides what the real costs will be. If this is a commonly available shrubby dogwood, I'd make it compost.
That being said...many shrubby dogwoods root easily from hardwood cuttings. If you decide to punt this one, cut some of those big branches and poke them in the ground near a downspout or some other perennially moist place. You'll have new rooted plants next spring to toy around with deciding where to permanently plant (almost free).
I'd give you this same advice on almost anything you might show. The analysis really comes down to: are you paying for the work to be done? If so, choose health and vigor and not just that the plant happens to be there. Have a yard sale, and give away the rogues to the first taker who'll dig it up. Spend your money putting a healthy plant where you want it.
If you are not paying for work, but instead intend to do it yourself and you have no budget for new plants, then choose carefully on what you spend your time. Invest your effort on moving good looking healthy plants, not this one illustrated.
If you are just interested in learning how to dig, ball and burlap, and transplant a shrub successfully...take your winter vacation and fly out here to the Valley. I have several hundred candidates (all better looking than your beleaguered shrub) needing attention. I am a patient teacher, and you could even take back all the free samples that you are allowed to carry on your return flight.
Don't fall for the Valley's beguiling talk! He is not a patient teacher. He is a cruel, cruel man. He would not send you home with hundreds of free samples; he would send you home a broken person.
Otherwise, his advice on the worthiness of moving a big shrub is exactly right.
Scott
Hey Vv,
This B&B vacation sounds kind of fun! A couple of years ago, I took a vacation day (so as not to alert my boss. It's a long story.) to go out to our farm and help dig 200-30" yews for one of our customers. We were done by noon and then started on the boxwoods after lunch. To keep the story short; I could hardly stand up straight, let alone walk, the morning of the next day! But, I loved it because...........because I'm a masochist I guess. Is room and board provided?
Ernie
re: "The analysis really comes down to: are you paying for the work to be done? "
It is all volunteer labor, primarily my own. So money wise, no cost at all, unless I bust a gut getting it out of the ground. I have transplanted MANY shrubs around here, but I prefer to know what I'm moving first. This one sounds like a good candidate for rooted cuttings, I agree. At least then if it turns out to be "dog of the year" material, I will not have lost that much. And no, we don't have any kind of budget for buying new shrubs around here. I'm working as fast as I can to save the ones (worth saving) that I can.
GJ:
Then knock yourself out (but the B&B Dude Ranch is still open for business). Let's still see some more closeups so we can help you ID the dog.
LHDP:
Gotta like cats, extraordinary food, and bring wine for pairing.
Allergic to cats, so I will have to take a raincheck. As much as I love viburnums, I hope you know what a personal sacrifice that is... LOL
