Tesco Bay Trees

banner · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 7:37 pm Post subject: Tesco Bay Trees

Tesco have 1.6 meter bay trees at 30 euro and when they do not sell reduce them. A couple are now down to 6 euro but the leaves are hard and losing colour. They do not look good

Would they respond to feeding and if so with what? Are looks indicative of their condition or could the roots still be good?

michael brenock · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 10:37 pm Post subject:

bay trees are slow to react and slow to respond to change in conditions. If they are looking bad now they will look worse even after a little kind treatment. Why go for a tree when you can grow it as a shrub ? It all depends on what you want it for, shelter privacy or just for cooking.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

banner · Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject:

The Garden Shop · Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 12:28 pm Post subject:

Hello Banner.
I haven't seen these bay trees for sale in Tesco, but i recommend that you keep them well watered over the summer as their roots were likely to have been very dry.

You can continue to feed your bay trees; fish blood and bone works fine, or if the roots were looking a bit sad prior to planting; then i would recommend a feed high in Phosphorus. Feed once a month.
Also be warned, bay trees can die in the frost. i lost both of mine in the winter of 2011 Sad

banner · Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 12:33 pm Post subject:

Anonany · Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 10:06 pm Post subject:

At that price ... I'ld be willing to take a chance !

If the top looks a bit dried out and sad and you don't mind being a bit ruthless ...

1. Cut it down to half its size (to get rid of any die-back).
2. Plant it in a shady spot in the garden and puddle it in.
3. Wait and see if some of the latent buds will break (it's the right time of the year).

You might be surprised by just how vigorous it can be when given half a chance.

Waiver ... ... I don't know your location, but bay trees grow and seed like weeds in my garden (Bray, Co Wicklow), so I'm not inclined to treat them like prima donnas !