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Laurels dying?

max.ruddock10mUvjxtAYmax.ruddock10mUvjxtAY Posts: 4
in Problem solving


Hi all

We planted 10 laurel plants last year in March. All seemed fine at the start. They have been left a bit over the winter and we are now trying to resurrect 7 of them. 3 are doing brilliantly and have grown loads. The other 7 range from around 6 inches of growth to brown and near death.

They get watered for about 15 mins twice a week. I did chop around 6 inches off before planting them as recommended.

The bad ones seem to have been chewed? They don't seem to grow at all. Any and all advice welcomed! 

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Your shrubs are suffering because they are planted into grass. For them to establish, they need all grass removed. I recommend you dig out a proper border for them so there is no competition around the roots and dampness around the branches. Lay bark mulch on top to stop weeds getting hold and lock in moisture as well as keep roots cool in summer and protected in the winter.

    Watering should only be in the late spring, summer and autumn time. Over winter no need to water. 
  • max.ruddock10mUvjxtAYmax.ruddock10mUvjxtAY Posts: 4
    Borderline said:
    Your shrubs are suffering because they are planted into grass. For them to establish, they need all grass removed. I recommend you dig out a proper border for them so there is no competition around the roots and dampness around the branches. Lay bark mulch on top to stop weeds getting hold and lock in moisture as well as keep roots cool in summer and protected in the winter.

    Watering should only be in the late spring, summer and autumn time. Over winter no need to water. 


    Thank you. They are actually the other side of our fence (planted to give us extra privacy). I will try digging out the grass and putting some bark mulch in. Is it worth using membrane to stop any traces of grass coming through? 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Once it’s got into that condition I’m afraid it’s down on your knees with a small hand-fork and proper hand weeding. Clear an area at least 3ft wide then you’ll be able to feed, mulch and water properly and the grass and weeds won’t provide molluscs and vine weevils with a place to lurk.  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I agree, you need to dig and pull out all the grass. Membrane so near the base may block valuable rain and moisture to your shrubs. It is critical they get water in the early years to help the shrubs settle in. Good prep work with getting the grass cleared and loosening the soil by digging down. Then lay thick bark mulch down after you have cleared the area. I don't normally recommend bark mulch unless it is for shrubs that require minimal disturbance once all the clearing out has been done. I am sure your shrubs will do a lot better after this.
  • max.ruddock10mUvjxtAYmax.ruddock10mUvjxtAY Posts: 4
    Borderline said:
    I agree, you need to dig and pull out all the grass. Membrane so near the base may block valuable rain and moisture to your shrubs. It is critical they get water in the early years to help the shrubs settle in. Good prep work with getting the grass cleared and loosening the soil by digging down. Then lay thick bark mulch down after you have cleared the area. I don't normally recommend bark mulch unless it is for shrubs that require minimal disturbance once all the clearing out has been done. I am sure your shrubs will do a lot better after this.

    When you say digging down do you mean digging around the laurels and loosening, or getting them out and then replanting in loosened soil? Apologies if the answer is obvious - I am not naturally green fingered! 😃
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited April 2021
    Not digging with a big fork ... as I said in my post above,  it’s down on your knees with a hand fork ... just digging out the roots of the grass ... not disturbing the roots of the laurels. 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • max.ruddock10mUvjxtAYmax.ruddock10mUvjxtAY Posts: 4
    Thanks everyone. Have done 1 side this afternoon. All grass removed, bone meal in and 300l of bark mulch in. I've given them a good watering too. Fingers crossed! 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I can see the smiles on their faces from here  :D .... stand well back!!!  ;)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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