Question
A couple of years ago my son planted shrub for me in the front yard. It did well at first, had leaves and flowered (I can't remember the name of it but it is a tulip flower bush) anyway. The next year I noticed the grass surrounding the plant was extremely parched looking and so was the plant. This was during summer. But I snipped off the dead portion and it seemed to rebound. This summer it died. When I tried to dig out the roots I was surprised to find the soil extremely dry, dusty even. The rest of my lawn is not like this and I'm trying to figure out why this area (about 4x4 foot area) is dry at least 1.5 feet deep. Admittedly I did not water the lawn or the plant but I never water the other plants in my yard and they seem to be doing ok. I'm miffed. Is there something that can cause one patch of soil to dry out? I know it sounds like a crazy question but I'm puzzled and thought you might be able to help.

Thanks,
Teresa

Answer
I find it puzzling also. I feel that your sprinkler system (you have one, right?) is not reaching this area. If you rely on rainfall alone, then there is something blocking the rain from wetting this area. Set out an aluminum (or similar) pie dish near the plant, weigh it down with something to keep it in place and see what it collects the next time rain falls or the sprinkler system comes on. You can place other pans in the flower bed area as a further check. If more water collects in one than in the others, it means that that particular spot is getting more water than the others.