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Bay tree leaf problem

itsfine20jaMkb2vzitsfine20jaMkb2vz Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I have two bay trees planted in my garden.  One is fine but the other is developing brown discoloured leaved which are now falling.  Is this because of the extreme heat recently or is it a disease which needs treating?
Thanks



Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I'd say it was due to heat stress and possibly a lack of water. Bay leaves are stiff, so they don't droop indicating a lack of water, they just die, turn brown and drop off.

    If it were mine, I'd keep it watered and leave it until next Spring when you'll be able to see if any of it is dead, or if new leaves are appearing, then you can trim it up as needed.
    They can be cut back hard if needed and will quickly re-sprout in the Spring.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I agree with @Pete.8 ... when plants are stressed by drought that's when they succumb to fungal bacteria.  Those leaves can't be saved  so there's no point in using any fungicides (I don't use them anyway ... but that's another story)  but keep watering the tree generously and it should survive and when it's recovered a bit it'll put on new leaves.  As Pete says, it may need trimming back a bit if the smaller twigs and branches have died off ... but I would wait and see.

    Can you identify the differences between the site of that tree and your other bay, that mean it has been more affected by the drought?  Is the poorly one in more shallow ground perhaps, or near to a larger tree which will be taking more of whatever water is available?  

    I'd give the other one plenty of water too ... my bay is in a pot and i've been giving it a bucket full of water every other day over this summer.  

    And welcome to the forum ... hope we've been able to help  :)

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





  • itsfine20jaMkb2vzitsfine20jaMkb2vz Posts: 3
    Thanks that's very helpful.  Yes, the poorly one is in a slightly more exposed position and is in more shallow soil. We will increase watering - more buckets to carry now with hosepipe ban!
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    When the leaves fall it might be helpful to gather them up and bag and bin (or burn if allowed) to cut down on spores in the area ... but to be honest fungal spores are all over the place at this time of year ... and most are host specific so don't infect other types of plants.  

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





  • itsfine20jaMkb2vzitsfine20jaMkb2vz Posts: 3
    Good point - thanks
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