My husband and I planted almost 20 of them this year. All are doing extremly well...all but 2 of them that is. They sit next to each other in the row, and both have dropped all their leaves on one side (the same side, BTW). The other side of them has some new growth, but the front of them that faces the street looks pitiful! I know that out of 20 to have only 2 giving problems is pretty good, especially for someone who's never planted them before. But I'm really hoping that I don't lose these guys and have to replace them next year. The ground in that area is mostly clay, with about 2 inches of "good" soil. When we planted, I used garden soil to backfill instead of the clay that originally came out of the hole. Which is the same as I did for all the others. Also, all the ones that are planted on the front property line have something funny looking about their leaves. They look like they have a patina type finish to them. At first I thought it might be a mold or mildew of some kind, but it doesn't rub off. It's actually IN the leaves themselves. Would our recent watering ban have possibly had something to do with any of these problems? The ban has been lifted, and I water every other day and once a week with azalea food. Suggestions????

It sounds like drainage issue to me... the loss of leaves on one side also indicated an abiotic disorder. Does this spot get more sun? Is there concrete or rocks that would hold and reflect the heat? Try and see if you can find any enviromental differences in the area of your problem plants. Good luck.

Okay...anyone got any crow??? I think I need a healthy dose right about now! I went to the link and checked it out, then went outside to check the plants. Sure enough...the FIRST LEAF I turned over had a lacebug on it! OUCH! I will be checking around today to find out where I can get the stuff to quickly take care of the problem. I am also going to have to get more mulch so that I can keep the soil more moist than it has been lately. We can only water on certain days, so I want to make sure it stays moist in between times. All the original mulch I had on them is gone for some reason. I don't know if it washed away or if if decomposed that fast, in either case, they all need more. Thanks again for the input!