Laurel Leaf Disease?

[ach5]

Hello,

Does anyone know why some of the new shoots on these Laurel are going black (and droopy, so presumably are dying)?

They’re about 4ft tall and were planted in February 2020.

What should / could I do?

Thanks.

[RobDad]

Looks like frost damage?


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[ach5]

I guess it does. No idea if it is though?

It’s only the newest, most delicate leaves that are affected, so it could be.

I had frost on my car about 2 weeks ago!

[Lammylee]

As previously mentioned possibly frost damage. I wouldn’t worry as laurels will regrow new shoots quickly, make sure you keep a gap between the hedge and the metal railings when they grow otherwise they will be a pain to trim.

[Spoonbed]

Funnily enough, we were just talking about tackling our japenese laurel tomorrow

Ours is similar to yours, but a bit worse.
Looking on t’internet, it’s either too much sun, or too wet( depending on who to believe)

Either way, the only way to rectify it seems, is to trim back hard any black bits.

We’re gonna be left with a very feeble looking laurel by tomorrow afternoon

[ach5]

Thanks all.

So, is trimming off the partially black leaves a good idea?

[Lammylee]

Thanks all.

So, is trimming off the partially black leaves a good idea?

Yes, every time you cut a shrub in the growing season if produces auxins ( growth hormones ) and will send out extra new shoots.

[ach5]

I carefully trimmed off the affected leaves (and in some cases just the dark bits from the leaf) and all is well.

I suspect this was indeed frost damage.

Thanks folks.

[Tony]

I also have newly-planted laurels.

After the winds we had a couple of months ago a lot of new leaves went black, exactly like yours. I just left them and they sorted themselves out.

I've been strongly advised not to cut anything from the laurels until they've reached the desired height.