I have a long row of Highbush Cranberries that run North-South between my house and the road. When I moved in 3+ years ago they were all lush and full but for the last 3 summers, particularly the ones on the South end have been dying one limb at a time. I've come to the conclusion that they have root rot due to too much moisture in that particular area along with the heavy clay soil that holds water well. None of them are completely dead yet but a few 60-80% dead. This spring I cut one of the worst ones back to the ground and it very quickly shot up 3 or 4 feet of new growth. My question is one, can I expect these shoots to develope new roots and last at least several years before I have to cut it back again? Two, what's the best time if I want to cut them all back? Spring or fall? Anyone had any experience with this before? Any alternate plants that would form a nice attractice privacy barrier in a heavy clay soil that don't need to be trimmed?
Thanks!
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