Question
I was in Florida for the winter and upon my return I find that the bark at the bottom of my burning bush is gone, eaten away along with the tender tips of the low branches.  Can I save the bush (by painting??) Any suggestions would be helpful.  thank you, Beth

Answer
Hi Beth,
It sounds like deer or rabbits got to your bush.  If the bush is leafing out, I wouldn't worry about it.  Don't cover it.  Let it heal.  If the bush has not leafed out yet, it may be dead.  Wait until May and if it hasn't leafed out by then, well, the animals that ate away the bark caused it to die.  I hope this helps.
Tom