What is this? And can it be saved? #2

[itguy12]

Hello all. As you can see below in the top picture, I having an issue with one of my shrubs. Can some of you help me ID this shrub (the bottom image show a close up of the foliage as compared to the size of a ladybug), and also what I need to do to "save" this plant? Thanks!

 

[DrCase]

Cut all the dead wood out and see what you have left
My guess is it some type of boxwood

 

[gata montes]

I would agree with DrCase - your plant very much resembles that of the box family - which as they are pretty hardy plants that can withstand most things - would probably survive without you doing anything to it - but saying that - feel that it would be best to remove as much of the dead wood as you can - as not only will it look better but doing it - will benefit the plant as well

 

[itguy12]

Thanks. So just prune all the way to the base to remove the deadwood? Also, would I just trim it all down to the base and "start over"?

 

[DrCase]

Cut the dead wood out first & see what you have left
If nothing looks good about it cut it back harder

 

[Becky]

Agreed that it looks like part of the buxus family, which are usually very hardy plants. It is susceptible to box blight however, and there is no cure for that. It just causes part (or all) of the plant to die... hopefully that isn't what you have, so fingers crossed that a good prune will sort it out

 

[Pat]

Now that Spring is close at hand you can prune to about 1 foot from the ground and water well to see if you get new growth soon. Good luck.

 

[itguy12]

Thanks all. I have "pruned" it back to about a 1/2-1' from the ground. I'll give it a month or so of spring to see what happens. If nothing, I'll just dig up and start over.