Help with struggling California Privet??

[ambilobe]

I have a row of privets that were planted in about 3 seasons ago.
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For some reason, this year, half of them have tiny buds but never really opened up. I have tried fertilizers, watering etc, and nothing seems to make them have more than small buds. They were all purchased and planted at the same time. Besides getting my soil tested today, any ideas ?
Are they a gonner, and should be pulled and replaced?
I would like to know what happened before I invest in another 25 plants.

Thanks

 

[TNTreeHugger]

My personal opinion? Replace it with something else.
The flowers stink. They spread like the plague. Pull one up, and a million sprout from the roots.

I can't answer your question about what's wrong with yours, but I noticed in one of your photos your neighbor has a large tree with lots of limb dieback... wonder if the problems are related?

California Privet​

 

[ambilobe]

I have an arborist coming Wednesday to take a look. I will keep you updated. I was told by my local nursery that they think it's a soil or drainage issue.