Thanks for the photos. I'm a bit confused, I'm assuming the first picture of branches link to the third photo? I now agree with others that they look like Viburnum Tinus and I don't think it's some type of fungus but more likely damage from the Viburnum Beetle over the winter time. The twigs and bark are often areas where they over-winter.
It would seem that the shrub had been under attack for some time and may have to be cut down really hard to start again and this can be a very long process. They are so damaged, any new growth may be weak or a risk of re-infection. If you want to try and sort this issue out, you need to remove all the top layer of soil down and re-lay new compost/similar. Remove more of the branches until you see less damaged areas and see how they respond in the next few months.
The top photo looks like Cherry Laurel with a fungal leaf spot issue. These shrubs are tough and although it looks unsightly, they can grow through the issue. If the leaves seem really badly affected, you can prune them off and hopefully the new leaves will be unaffected. Good hygiene is needed at this moment in time. Rake off dead leaves around the base promptly and hopefully the shrub will grow out of it. With overly damp winters and then humid conditions, they can be a problem for many shrubs.
Yes, I agree with Borderline - they do now look like Viburnum tinus. Mine has been similarly affected and I'm thinking of getting rid of them as it is very old and branches are dying. There are much better shrubs around, so unless you really need to keep them in that position for some reason, I would cut your losses and get some new plants. I found that sprays don't work very well for this bush/infestation and they keep coming back year after year. You may be wasting your time and money.
The shrubs that have been identified as viburnum tinus can be cut down to the ground. They will soon re sprout. I do this regularly with mine to keep it within 3 feet (wrong shrub, wrong place!).
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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It would seem that the shrub had been under attack for some time and may have to be cut down really hard to start again and this can be a very long process. They are so damaged, any new growth may be weak or a risk of re-infection. If you want to try and sort this issue out, you need to remove all the top layer of soil down and re-lay new compost/similar. Remove more of the branches until you see less damaged areas and see how they respond in the next few months.
The top photo looks like Cherry Laurel with a fungal leaf spot issue. These shrubs are tough and although it looks unsightly, they can grow through the issue. If the leaves seem really badly affected, you can prune them off and hopefully the new leaves will be unaffected. Good hygiene is needed at this moment in time. Rake off dead leaves around the base promptly and hopefully the shrub will grow out of it. With overly damp winters and then humid conditions, they can be a problem for many shrubs.