A Laurel(?) problem - Ask Extension
I moved into a house last December with an in ground vinyl pool surrounded by trees/bushes 7' apart, 7 feet from the pool and about 5 years old (they ...
Knowledgebase
A Laurel(?) problem #326660
Asked May 30, 2016, 1:40 PM EDT
I moved into a house last December with an in ground vinyl pool surrounded by trees/bushes 7' apart, 7 feet from the pool and about 5 years old (they range from 5' to 12' high, average about 9') which we have not yet had positively identified. They were planted by the previous owner "for privacy" but not managed well. One nursery person who saw a branch said she thought it was cherry laurel but remained unsure. Most have had the bottom two or three feet cleared but many shoots arise. From December until today these plants have been having individual leaves turn red/reddish-orange and drop (the nursery person said from a fungus and recommended Fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide - Proplconazole 1.55%). We also had an insect infestation of tiny white hard structures near the leaf veins that housed a live organism. Our local extension lady advised use of horticultural oil and that worked. My questions:
1- What IS this plant?
2. Why are the leaves continuing to turn red and what can I do to remedy?
3. How should they be trained (hedge, topped, etc)
4. What kind of root system does it have and would it be expected to eventually intrude into the pool liner?
5. Essentially, what would you do with them if you lived here?
Thank you very much!
(I also have other photos)
1- What IS this plant?
2. Why are the leaves continuing to turn red and what can I do to remedy?
3. How should they be trained (hedge, topped, etc)
4. What kind of root system does it have and would it be expected to eventually intrude into the pool liner?
5. Essentially, what would you do with them if you lived here?
Thank you very much!
(I also have other photos)
Escambia County Florida
Expert Response
Please send a photo of a couple of leaves, one facing up, one of the back. We can help identify the plant. However, your questions about how appropriate the plant is for the location would be best answered by a local certified arborist. The plant roots structure, how the plant performs with regard to insect and disease resistence are based on your area and the soil type at your site. Issues like plumbing, drainage and nearby structures are beyond the scope we can help with. This is likely a laurel or photinia. Choosing and maintaining and evergreen hedge is worth getting profesional advice for most homeowners.
Hi Jackie, Thank you for your response and I apologize for having become too busy with other projects to respond to you sooner. I have loaded the 3 allowable photos (showing the backs and fronts of 4 leaves in various stages) and one showing the flowers from last spring. I have tried to add another to the box below, showing the seeds. Many red leaves were dropped last fall, and the same thing is happening now. One very knowledgable & sharp landscaper proposed that these are possibly Elaeocarpus (either sylvestris or maybe decipiens. They have not been shaped or cared for, and the trunks are 5 to 8" diameter. They are called "evergreens" but I've never had to blow a ton of dropped red leaves from evergreens before. Sure hope you can help! I have other pictures. By the way, I did ask 2 other "certified arborists" from Pensacola and they both shrugged their shoulders and said "I dunno." Thank you for your time.
Jackie, These are a couple other photos on the (laruel, elaeocarpus???) ID problem I just responded to, showing two larger views, and one closeup of the fruit on the branches from mid/later summer this year.
I may take a day or two to answer you fully, but here is a quick bit of information. The idea that this is a Japanese blueberry tree (Elaeocarpus decipiens) is a good possibility. And if so, the shedding of red leaves is normal and not a concern. Even evergreen plants shed old leaves.
See this article from Pacific Horticulture, does this identification for your plant still seem likely to you? http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/striving-for-diversity-japanese-blueberry-tree/
Here is a University Extension page about the larger tree: http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/Pages/eladen/eladen.shtml
This describes the pruning that is possible to use the tree in more of a hedging manner.
Scale is the insect I think you had. Check for those regularly, as they could need on-going control.
I can't find any information about leaf diseases. The bumps on the leaves could indicate a problem or might be normal.
Check with the County Extension Service to see if the University offers a clinic or on-site experts to help. I'll send links if I find contacts.
You, as the homeowner, do not have to keep these plants if you are uncomfortable with them. (Unless there are neighborhood requirements I don't know about.) You may decide to replace them with plants you choose because of personal preference, or concerns with root invasion, or desire for more light or better privacy. I wish I were able to resolve each of your concerns about the plants.
http://escambia.ifas.ufl.edu/contact-us/
The more local perspective may be your best next step.
