Is it an ex-shrub… or is it only resting?

I’d like to have a good garden clearout. But how do I know if shrubs are dead, not just hibernating for the winter? – Derick, via email DAVID: It’s easy – with your thumbnail or a coin, scrape back a piece of the bark.

Generally speaking if it’s green and moist, it’s alive. If dry and brown, then it’s dead. It is always worth checking before you start trimming.