Is my privot hedge dying ?

ekwouldham

Can anyone tell me what is causing the leaves on my privet to go from green to silver to brown and hard only on the upperside of the leaves. Started off in one small area and has now spread extensively. The hedge is in sandy well drained soil and is only 4 years old. 

I've tried to diagnose with  online resources but can't find the answer.  the first year after planting all the leaves fell off but regrew healthy afterwards. Hoping this is a natural cycle it is going through. 

Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Last edited: 30 September 2017 13:40:38

Obelixx

It doesn't look like the usual leaf spot which affects privet plants and which is a fungal disease.

I suspect the problem may be poor cultivation as the soil looks poor and rather weedy and the hedge looks as though it's right up against a fence which, even with those gaps, will mean poor airflow and an increased risk of disease.

Try weeding thoroughly to clear the soil at the base of the hedge and also widen the border so the grass is a bit further away as this will reduce competition for nutrients.   Once the soil is loosened and clear, apply some bonemeal to help it grow healthy roots over autumn and winter and keep removing any fallen leaves so they don't re-infect the plant.

If dry, water thoroughly along the base without wetting the foliage.   Next spring, weed again and then apply blood, fish and bone or pelleted chicken manure to help produce healthy foliage.  If you don't want to keep the base weed free manually, apply a thick mulch of chipped bark - 2 to 3" deep - to exclude light but allow in rainfall.  Do this after the initial weeding and bonemeal application and a good soaking.

Lyn

I agree, I see you have put the turf back on the ground, better to remove that.