By Merrill
United States 
I have 5 elaeagnus shrub. They are slowly dying.I have been cutting all the dead out of them. They are about 1/2 the size they where this time last year. The only thing I have been able to find out is could be iron deficiency.These
shrubs are at least 40 years old. The have seen doing great until last year. Any help would be great
16 Jul, 2017
Answers
They did a lot better than ours to last that long! Time to think about replacements.
16 Jul, 2017
So sorry about your shrubs, it's hard when you loose some. Maybe it is an iron deficiency. When did you last feed them. Are the leaves turning yellow and then falling. Have you asked at your local garden centre, they might have a suggestion or two. Look you have nothing to loose, give them a feed. At least you will have done your best.
16 Jul, 2017
welcome to GoY Merril, from what I can find out 40yrs old is a n old shrub and they could just becoming to the end of their lifespan.
take cuttings from healthy tissue to 'keep' the plant going in your garden.
by all means give them a good feed and some iron. we have it in the uk as sequestrine.
16 Jul, 2017