1) What's happening to our cotoneaster hedge? They start out great, then the leaves get spotted and we lose most of them. This seems to start every year just after they flower. I don't see insects initially, but I do see spider mites once the leaves start looking bad. I've looked for the mites before the leaves go bad and haven't seen them. I've heard of a fungus from Michigan might be the culprit? So far no branch or bush die off.

2) We're removing 3 emerald green arborvitaes from our front foundation planting. Suggestions for replacements? They're in a raised bed of retaining blocks, then remaining shrubs are yews. We like the triangular shape, or possibly a vase shape, deciduous would be ok (husband MUST have something to put xmas lights on). House faces directly east. Soil has alot of clay(amendable) but it does dry out very quickly. There is some shade from a Linden and a Red Sunset maple, both planted somewhat close to the house. Grasses are out.

Thanks!

HI Karen, the problem certainly could be spider mites. It is really difficult to diagnose with the information you have given. I suggest sending pictures to your local extension office or to the UI plant clinic. http://plantclinic.cropsci.uiuc.edu/ With the plant replacement you did not mention why you removed the arborvitaes and what you hope the new plants will accomplish, how tall and wide they can get. I would really need more information on both questions to address them. check out these websites for Extension office nearest you. http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/findoffice.html and for plant selection and disease id. http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/ http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/shrubselector/ http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/focus/ good luck and sorry I could'nt help further. Sandy