Thanks Sue and Jane. I am now beginning to think it was deer last winter that munched on my Burning Bush. We have our side fenced in on 3 sides with the 4 rail wood fence. We have seen deer in the field around our house but never in our yard. But this winter, my husband looked out the bedroom window to the north and saw deer in the yard on the side and front side. I think they come into the yard at night in the darkness and munch away. Thanks for your help.