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Bay tree damage

markjackman76markjackman76 Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hi folks, wondering if anyone could possibly advise a beginner gardener. I have a bay tree which is one of two. The other whch was situated in a similar area in the garden died around 12 months ago but this one appears to be doing better although im not sure if it is being attacked by slugs. We have cats (and one of them loves laying in the pot around the tree) so I dont really want to put slug pellets down (if the problem is related to slugs), if anyone has any suggestions as to what theissue could be it would be greatly appreciated. Have included a couple of pics. Thank you!

Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Our bay is in the ground so different conditions to your tree. Ours has never had slug/snail damage. It was this winter hit by frosts by doing OK now. I know this my sound odd but even with your cats liking the pot they aren't there all the time....could it be pigeon damage as it looks much like the leaves on our plums and cherries that the pigeons keep attacking.
  • rowlandscastle444rowlandscastle444 Posts: 2,612
    edited May 2023
    I must admit that I didn't know slugs and snails were partial to bay. Ours is in the ground, and despite the garden being home to many of these slimy pests, it doesn't get touched.
    Perhaps a caterpillar of some sort. Check under various leaves.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Bays and laurels are vine weevils favourite,  could be those. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • markjackman76markjackman76 Posts: 10
    edited May 2023
    Thanks all, we do occasionally have pigeons in the garden but not too often and they tend to be at the far end of the garden because our cats are generally around near the house. The vine weevils could be a possibility, will look more into it - thanks for the replies all much appreciated =)
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    My bay tree has bay sucker and I occasionally see this sort of damage on the leaves. I assume that small birds have been after the blasted suckers though I have no actual proof of this.
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