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Laurels - Help Please

Sam80Sam80 Posts: 40
in Problem solving

Hello

New to the forum and new to gardening.  I wonder if anyone can help me please.

I've moved into a new home with a garden in September.  In January I had 6 root balled laurels planted at the end of my garden for privacy.  They have gradually started to develop 2 problems, one being shot hole disease and the other is yellow leaves.

I started out by feeding them blood, fish and bone in February and not much happened.  The garden centre said I needed something that wasn't slow release so I gave them seaweed feed which perked the droopy leaves up but not much else.  It apparently helps them with the shock of being planted and helps fight disease.  They also advised I spray with a fungal fighter, but to also remove all infected leaves from the plant and the floor.  Not much has changed.

I have other laurels nearby - they have the shot hole disease, but not the yellow leaves

So in April another garden centre have said to not use the fungal spray, the shot hole disease won't kill the laurels and is very common and to stop the yellowing of leaves I should put a teaspoon of Epsom salts around the base of each bush and water them as the yellowing is likely to be a magnesium deficiency.  I'm not sure about the measurement of the Epsom salts.

Has anyone else had this problem and how did you solve it.  I'm clueless!  Help much appreciated.

Thank you

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,306

    I'd be inclined to leave them alone apart from not letting them dry out through the summer. They won't be taking up nutrients til the roots get a hold so feeding is a waste of time.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 3,994

    Why plant laurels when there is such a choice of much nicer hedge plants?

    You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French).
  • Dave HedgehogDave Hedgehog Posts: 377

    Agreed with nutcutlet.

    The main thing to focus on with new Laurels is to ensure they are watered correctly. Too much water and the roots will fail to establish or rot away, killing them.

    The ground needs to be kept moist but not soaked and I too would forget about adding a load of chemicals and treatments and leave them to their own devices. It the leaves begin to wilt, a watering will help but don't drench them for hours.

  • Sam80Sam80 Posts: 40

    Nutcutlet and Mowtastic - thanks for the helpful advice. I'll be sure to follow it

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