Yellow leaves on failing laurel hedge

kerrymen · Hazel Tree Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

Hi, I have a laurel hedge which has been planted approx. 7 yrs. One area has consistently failed to thrive , a span of approx. 15 Ft. from a total hedge of appproximately 120 ft, the rest of which is growing perfectly - the soil would not be brilliant, but it is not a particularly wet area - the affected area has failed yet to reach the height of the rest of the hedge (6 feet), & many of the leaves are YELLOW, whereas the rest of the hedge is deep GREEN - any advice gratefully received ?

verge · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:01 pm Post subject:

Any pics kerrymen?

kerrymen · Hazel Tree Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

Yes, I have some pics, just have to figure out how to get them on - I've read the instructions but I've never uploaded pictures to a web address before, so need to work it out - thanks for reply

GPI · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 8:47 am Post subject:

Tutorial here for image adding on this site kerrymen.... http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/about32.html

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 131

Hi Kerryman, just logged on and instantly drawn to your query, as I have planted quite a short run of young laurel hedging this summer.
While they are generally a healthy light green, there are also quite a few leaves turning yellow and dropping. I will have to bite the bullet now and learn how to send a photo into the site, as I've never done that before.
I'm off to take a couple of photos.....

kerrymen · Hazel Tree Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

Please see photos below, courtesy of excellent tutorial from the site administrator - many thanks !

[img]<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30092852@N03/2818754010/" title="CIMG0426 by fiacloir1, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2818754010_4a31c470f7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="CIMG0426" /></a>[/img]

GPI · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:46 am Post subject:

Looks to be a section of hedge under pressure due to the conditions around its roots rather than a disease.
I see it sandwiched between a tarmac area and a ditch with trees. I am guessing a spread of tree roots are close to the hedge in this area competing for soil and food.
Combine this with regular soakings of rain water washing off the tarmac straight onto the weak run of hedging, the roots may well be sitting in sodden wetness for ages.

Dig a couple of test holes 2 or 3 feet from the base of the affected area and check for tree root invasion and/or very wet sodden soil. Then report back.
It is also worth checking for the tell-tale symptoms of Honey fungus while you are at it, even if laurel is quite resistant to it. See Honey fungus here... Honey fungus

kerrymen · Hazel Tree Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

Thanks for the advice will investigate further .....