Japanese Blueberry Growing Problems in the Desert

Q. We have three Japanese Blueberry in our yard; two in the backyard and one in the front. All three have dead branches yet there are scattered green leaves above them. There are far more green leaves at the bottom of the three plants. Is it possible this is due to a lack of water?

A. Japanese blueberry is not a good choice for a desert climate and soils but will handle it if planted in the right location, good soil prep and regular watering. If planted in a hot microclimate with alot of reflected heat and light it gets sunburn easily and dieback.

https://xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com/2015/07/more-problems-growing-japanese.html

Japanese blueberry is from Far Asia and not many deserts there so it is not really a desert plant.It grows better in a Mediterranean climate like you find in coastal CA. It grows better in a Mediterranean climate like you find in coastal CA. When grown there it is much easier to manage.

What To Do

So if the soil is covered in rock, if the water amount is not increased as the plant gets bigger then chances are good there will be problems.  Not sure what the reason is for dead branches but most likely related to soil management (not covering the soil in woodchips and not amending the soil so its more like soils in the Far East) or water or both.

Borers

It is possible to be a borer problem but I would need more information. Remove dead branches. Improve the soil and apply water to a larger area under the plant.