Whats the soil structure like - heavy/clay or light?
Did you firm the soil in ( push down with your foot around the base of plant with your foot) when planting? Press down with your foot around the base of plant and see if the soil is firm around the root ball.
Maybe they were pot bound. I think it is best to tease out the roots.
The soil has to be firmed in - that doesn't mean having it solid, it just means firm enough that the plant is holding itself in position. It's hard to describe if you don't really know what people mean by 'firming in' though.
There seems to be a very large established hedge or row of trees in behind your fence. I'd wonder how good the surrounding soil is in behind your laurels.
Did you take a look to see what the soil is like around the base? Is there a membrane? I also wonder if they've been planted a bit deep. There's also been a cold spell and frosts - that can cause a bit of damage, even with something as tough as laurel.
I think I'd be contacting the people who put them in.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Loosening the soil and adding organic material before planting is adventageous; root hormone gel also helps, particularly with clay soil as it can be tough for roots to take hold.
If the soil wasn't carefully mixed/shaken in around the roots when planting, there may be air gaps present underneath, which can cause fungal infections. The hedge may be doomed before its had a chance to start off.
As it was laid by landscapers, you may have difficulties getting to the bottom of the issues and as mentioned previously, I'd suggest calling them and asking them to have a look. Tell them you're not satidfied with the results... what is there to lose?
Hi Solihul. I know it’s 1.5 years on but I was wondering what happened to your laurel and whether you found a solution. I’ve recently planted some 50 laurel as a screening solution and am experiencing similar drooping of the leaves. Plants are well watered and the issue so far isn’t affecting all the plants.
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Whats the soil structure like - heavy/clay or light?
Did you firm the soil in ( push down with your foot around the base of plant with your foot) when planting? Press down with your foot around the base of plant and see if the soil is firm around the root ball.
Maybe they were pot bound. I think it is best to tease out the roots.
The ground does appear to be clay like in some places but there is a black loose soil around the plants, how would I tease the roots out
I meant when planting it is best to tease out the roots. Maybe just dig one of them up and see if they are pot bound.
I'm pretty sure that they were bare root plants
oh ok. if the soil was firmed in around the roots aswell with the foot then i dont know what else to suggest.
I don't know if the soil was firmed in around the roots with a foot, would this not make the soil more compact & harder for water to penetrate
The soil has to be firmed in - that doesn't mean having it solid, it just means firm enough that the plant is holding itself in position. It's hard to describe if you don't really know what people mean by 'firming in' though.
There seems to be a very large established hedge or row of trees in behind your fence. I'd wonder how good the surrounding soil is in behind your laurels.
Did you take a look to see what the soil is like around the base? Is there a membrane? I also wonder if they've been planted a bit deep. There's also been a cold spell and frosts - that can cause a bit of damage, even with something as tough as laurel.
I think I'd be contacting the people who put them in.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Loosening the soil and adding organic material before planting is adventageous; root hormone gel also helps, particularly with clay soil as it can be tough for roots to take hold.
If the soil wasn't carefully mixed/shaken in around the roots when planting, there may be air gaps present underneath, which can cause fungal infections. The hedge may be doomed before its had a chance to start off.
As it was laid by landscapers, you may have difficulties getting to the bottom of the issues and as mentioned previously, I'd suggest calling them and asking them to have a look. Tell them you're not satidfied with the results... what is there to lose?
Thanks, I have contacted them & have sent them photos of the plants.
They have said that the plants need more water & to keep watering them 20 - 30mins a day