Why do Laurels develop yellow leaves?

Question

I bought 30 Laurel plants to create a hedge. Planted, watered and fed them well, and now find the lower leaves are turning yellow. My suppliers advised me to cut them down by half of their growth above one of the many buds on the stem, this will cause bushier growth and should cure the problem. I've done this, and hope it'll be alright, but still wonder EXACTLY what might have caused this problem. I have watered them regularly, and they have been fed but not over much. Any Greenfingers out there with good sensible advice please get in touch. Thanks. Jan

Answer 1

You didn't say which type laurel: Bay laurel, Cherry laurel, Mountain laurel.

I'm going to guess Bay laurel, also called Sweet laurel.

First they need good drainage. You sure the water is draining out of the root zone? Might want to dig down in a few places to see.

Also they are evergreen, not eternal. Older leaves do die and fall off. Granted if it's all in one area or overly heavy, yes, a problem.

They are prone to several insects including aphids (which attack the top, not the bottom). psyllids (piercing sucking insects that attack and move on--leaving behind yellow leaves) , scale (any strange bumps on the wood or leaves?--which also cause leaves to turn yellow) Any stickiness on lower leaves? Aphid poop is very sticky.

Nutrient deficiency.....more often seen on new growth, but not always......plus you have been fertilizing.

Shading...if leaves don't get sun, they die out. So those inside or underneath are the most prone to yellow and dropo.

First, give the plant a good look over.......look for misc tiny bumps that should be on the stems or leaves. Also look at the leaves to see if they have been pierced...sometimes hard to tell. If found, treat accordingly. It may be as simple as insecticidal soap.

Cutting back is a good idea when plant not doing well. Who knows, you might cut away a problem.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Laurels like acid soil so perhaps your soil conditions are too limy for them. Try digging in some ericaceous compost at the base and mix some iron sulphate into the water.

Answer 3

If they were recently planted, it's probably transplant shock..

Could be a micronutrient deficiency (low iron does this often) or a soil pH issue... check your pH and buffer up or down as needed. Your supplier sould be able to advise you on optimun pH levels for his plants.

Answer 4

I know this will happen with Laurel if you try to trim it like a normal hedge..It must be cut by stems and carefully....