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Laurel Hedge Issues

whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvqwhn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi all,

I have a laurel hedge running down the back of my garden. Over the past few years it has grown considerable well and has always done alright, especially after a thorough cutting back each year.

This winter I have noticed that on one end it has started to die back with leaves turning yellow and eventually brown before falling off. This has left a large bare patch on one side. When inspecting the leaves there is no powdery substance or any sign of pests on the hedge itself but the leaves do appear to have either been eaten by something or some type of disease.

The rest of the hedge appears to be ok and it has only happened on one side. Everything near by including a silver beech tree and other perennials seem unaffected.

Has anyone got any ideas as to what it could be and what could be done to prevent it spreading further?

appreciate any help that is offered. Have become pretty good at managing the plants but no idea when it comes to hedging!

Thanks

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    @whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq There appears to be vine weevil damage see the notches in the sides of the leaves. I think other things are happening too as a plant under stress for whatever reason can have multiple problems. Interesting that it is the plant at the end that is suffering. I don't think there is much you can do at the moment. Await other forum members thoughts. Welcome.
    Is that a door behind the Portuguese Laurel at the end?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Looking at your pic that shows that mesh @whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq - have you had animals going in and out?
    I wonder if there's animal urine being sprayed on that end section?

    I'd agree with @GardenerSuze's comment about vine weevil damage, and the birch being nearby, plus being near the fence, can mean the ground is drier there. It may also be that the bits near there aren't yet showing problems, but they might in future.
    If you had the very dry conditions last year that many people had, those bits might just have dried out more than others. The birch will certainly be drawing up a lot of moisture. It's hard to be definite though. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvqwhn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq Posts: 4
    Thanks both for your comments it is really helpful.

    We do have a cat but they don’t tend to urinate outside but it may be that he has started doing it without us noticing. 

    I did wonder if it had just dried out so will make sure it is watered thoroughly as we approach the growing season. Will also look to treat the pest problem that you have pointed out.

    just so frustrating when you notice problems like this at the wrong time of the year to fix!

    thanks again
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2023
    I had two mature Portuguese laurels that succumbed to a combination of powdery mildew and bacterial shothole disease, resulting in the leaves looking very much like yours do unfortunately. I’m pretty sure that my plants were stressed as a result of drought resulting in becoming vulnerable to disease. Yours may be just suffering from shothole disease as you have not seen any evidence of mildew.

    This RHS link explains the symptoms of both diseases, possible causes and treatments.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/disease/laurel-leaf-diseases

    I’d try to improve the water retention property of your soil by incorporating plenty of organic matter around your plants and making sure that you water them in dry spells.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think lack of water is the most likely reason for the problem, leading to some stress, and therefore some pests/diseases. Improving the soil is the best way of dealing with that - using organic matter as @Plantminded describes. Rotted manure, compost [your own or bought in] or leaf mould, are all ideal, but make sure the ground is well moistened before doing that. You can also keep adding that at regular intervals as it all helps, and will benefit the birch too.
    There does look like a bit of shot hole there too, which is more common in cherry laurel but Portuguese laurel can get it too. I've only ever seen it on cherry laurel. Stressed plants are more susceptible to any bacterial problems, but it's unlikely to be terminal.  :)

    Portuguese laurel does best if it isn't in drier soil, and the birch will certainly be contributing to it all. If you water - make sure it's a bucket load in at the roots of each plant near the end - probably the last three or so.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    @whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq Is it possible that the soil is compacted at that end? If so the water might be just running off especially if the soil is clay. Portuguese laurel roots can be shallow so there might be some damage.I think keep it well watered  especially in dry conditions is the best thing to do. Shot hole certainly looks possible, vine weevil some mildew could be other things too. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Here's the background to my Portuguese laurel problem @whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq. I now know that it was a combination of powdery mildew and shothole disease.  The two shrubs still struggled last year so I reduced the trunks drastically to about 18 inches in height.  One is recovering well with fresh green growth but the other still looks unhappy.  I don't think you'll have to resort to this action with yours yet, just follow the previous advice to improve your soil and keep well watered in dry spells.  

    Portuguese Laurel Still Not Happy! Recovery Advice Needed Please. — BBC Gardeners' World Magazine (gardenersworld.com)

    @Uff grows Portuguese laurel and may be able to add more advice if she's tuned in!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • whn9q7h74j1ePeeCvqwhn9q7h74j1ePeeCvq Posts: 4
    Thanks everyone!

    will give it a good soak over the next few weeks and will improve the soil as well and hopefully that gets it back on track.

    can look at the diseases if needed once it is back to feeling a bit more healthy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Improving the soil is always a good start. Hope it comes away well. It should do    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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