Judii Viburnum Trunk Rot: Freeze Damage or Root Rot?

Five-Year-Old Viburnum Declining Rapidly

Major limbs leafless, no flowers, loose/rotting bark at base, but a few green shoots at ground level.

Expert Scenarios

• If healthy last year: possible cold/freeze damage.
• If puny last year: likely root rot.
• Loose bark fits both.

Recommendation

Wait 1–2 weeks. If recovery signs appear, prune dead wood and monitor. If it dies, replace. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.