Q What is wrong with my cotoneaster?
Anne Ward, by email A
PIPPA SAYS I suspect this is the bacterial infection fireblight – to confirm this, peel back the bark in damaged areas and look for a gingery discoloration. To save your plant, cut back the smaller infected branches into healthy wood, at least 30cm from where the staining ends. Cut back larger branches in a similar way, but to 60cm past the staining end point. Also, disinfect the blades of your secateurs and pruning saw with methylated spirits between each cut.