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Laurel's dying

terina.medlerterina.medler Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Morning all.
We have recently had a landscaper take out loads of our 10ft laurels and then replant them. They were luscious green leafy laurels but since taking them out and replanting them they are wilting and look really dry. We have been watering them regularly and have given them blood and bone fertiliser but nothing seems to be helping. I have googled and there seem to be such conflicting views on whether we should cut them down to about 6 ft or leave them. Our landscaper said don't cut them back because they are already stressed from moving but then other things say take the tops off... help! Any views would be appreciated. I would really like to save them.
Thank you

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Even with care taken their roots will have suffered, and it is normal practice to cut back shrubs before moving them, to reduce the load on the root system and allow them to re-establish. You would probably need to give them more water than you did (bucketloads per plant!) to help them and if they are over 6 ft even now, it is just risking losing them.
    Laurel are tough plants and grow fast. If they were mine I would cut them back to 3ft. You could go lower and they would still regrow once the roots have settled in.
    Water them thoroughly, giving the water time to soak in, not just dampen the surface. If the soil is very dry water tends to run off, so it is better to water a little  along the row, then start again at the beginning and repeat until it is soaking in properly. You won't see much growth at first, but it should be there below ground and once the roots have found their way it will take off. Don't feed it unless it needs, it which shouldn't be for a good while, if it has fresh soil to go at. It will do more harm than good while it is struggling.
  • terina.medlerterina.medler Posts: 3
    Thank you - I thought the same about reducing the size before replanting but our gardener thought they would be ok, which they are not! :)

    Thank you for your advise, i will get them cut back and water them as you advise. Just hope they can survive. Be such a shame to lose them all.
  • terina.medlerterina.medler Posts: 3
    Just another point on this - in case it makes a difference - the soil quality is not the best, its quite sandy / clay like. Would it be worth taking some of that bad soil out and popping some compost in?
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