It's normal for mahonias to look ratty in the early spring. They are native
here in the inland northwest, and right now they look pretty dreadful. But
in a month or so, the new foliage will have pushed the ratty old stuff off,
and they will look very nice.
"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
I have several mahonia bushes, grown in two groupings. The one
getting full sun is doing better than the one that gets afternoon
shade. Most of the leaves have been stripped (by deer or slugs) but I
just noticed new leaves forming at the tops of the 2-foot twigs.
They look bad, and I was not sure what should be done. I spread a
thin layer of composted cow manure last month. I am in zone 7, east
TN.
Thanks