Ah! Dual mysteries solved, I think.
Here's the JM
Once I pulled the mulch and weeds away I found this. So this one is likely due to digging critter problems and summer drought last year.
Last year I'd placed the log over a filled-in hole that was too close to a rose -so, the critter just moved it over. Now it's too close to the JM.
I did do a scratch test on an area above these buds and the wood appears to be alive yet, so maybe most of these limbs will recover now that the hole is filled in again.
Here's the little Fringe Tree
It looks like it was originally planted too shallow.
What's your take on the Fringe tree? Should I risk digging and replanting, or berm it up? Right now I just have it covered to a place between the swelling above the top roots and the first set of leaves.
