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What’s wrong with my Laurel?!

RachelGardeningNewbieRachelGardeningNewbie Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi everyone! I’d really appreciate any advice anyone can offer … The leaves on my Laurel hedge (Portuguese Laurel I think it is) have started looking unwell. I googled quite a bit but to my eyes it doesn’t look exactly like any of the usual suspects I found online. I’ve shared some photos. Thanks in advance for any information anyone can offer :)
 

Posts

  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 782
    Some of the edges look like something has been eating them so maybe this was caterpillars of some sort. A few leaves nibbled like this would not harm your laurel to any significant extent. There also looks to be a bit of yellowing of a small number of leaves which could be a sign of some sort of stress on the plant or a nutrient deficiency. Are there any other plants competing with your laurel or are the roots restricted in some way to make them less able to get sufficient water during dry spells? The majority of the plants shown in the photos look healthy so I don't think there is anything there that would make me very worried about your hedge.

    Happy gardening!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I would agree. All evergreens get some damaged/dead foliage which is replaced throughout the year.
    All perfectly normal in a garden  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • RachelGardeningNewbieRachelGardeningNewbie Posts: 3
    Hi Robaird and Fairygirl - thanks so much for your comments! I feel reassured :) There are a couple of trees near the laurel so I wonder if it’s competing with them for nutrients. But it has got enough water recently. I appreciate your insights!
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Perfectly normal, but you do need to keep them well clipped, that will allow for new shoots all over it, then those manky leaves will drop off replaced by fresh new leaves. 

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • RachelGardeningNewbieRachelGardeningNewbie Posts: 3
    Thank you Lyn - I’ll do that!
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