HELP! We live in the Midatlantic. I planted 20 Schip Laurels around my driveway about 5 years ago and they look great. We live in a wooded area with lots of shade. They have grown to about 8 feet tall and are full and happy. We put lava rocks over the dirt because it borders our driveway. Last year, we plated 60 more in front of our house staggered and they grew quite well. About 2 feet high and wider. They were planted about 4' apart as they were about 5' high once we planted them. They grew and did quite well, but about 2 months ago, a few started to wilt and they died. We have a tree service that specializes in this look at them to see if they could see any problems, but they said know. We had them all sprayed for parasites. Suddenly, we have about 20 more that are suddently wilting with leaves turning brown. They look like they will die. Nobody can figure out why. Before we lose more, we need help trying to figure out what is happening. Please help!

Answer #1 · Brent Wilson's Answer · Hi Andrew,

I've been in the nursery and landscape business here in mid-Georgia since 1984. My experience with many of the laurels, including the schip and Otto Luyken have not been good ones. Our nursery no longer stocks these plants because of several problems. Not sure what the problem with your plants is but I can tell you what some of the problems we have with them.

One is shotgun disease. When laurels have this the leaves become full of little round holes, appearing as though they've been shot with a birdshot from a shotgun. I don't think this is the problem with yours because you would most definitely see it.

Borers are another problem but I rarely see that. Check the trunks and branches of your plants to see if any holes have been bored in them.

What I think could be the problem is high temperatures. Over the past couple of years, those of us in the eastern US have had some exceptionally warm summers, with below average rainfall in many areas. Schip and Otto Luyken laurels are plants which are grown in the west, such as in northern California and Oregon, where the climate is much cooler and more overcast. Sometimes, especially during particularly hot summers here in the east, they have a tough time acclimating to the heat. Here in mid-Georgia, if someone says they just have to have these plants, I always recommend planting them in morning sun with afternoon shade.

Have you spoke with your local extension agent or nurserymen yet? They may be able to visit your property and give you a better diagnosis.

Hope this info was helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Brent)

Answer #2 · Brooks Wilson's Answer · Sounds like a bacterial or fungal infection. Possibly a blight. Hard to know exactly without proper testing.

As Brent mentioned you should call your local extension office and have them look at them. In my area the extension office sends samples to the local college, University of Ga. where they do free testing to determine what it wrong.

Hope this helps you.

Brooks Wilson))