Disease on leaves of a skip laurel - Ask Extension
Small holes have appeared, and rust-color blemishes, on leaves of a newly planted skip laurel. Similar problems seem to be developing on a nearby new...
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Disease on leaves of a skip laurel #398812
Asked May 09, 2017, 12:18 PM EDT
Small holes have appeared, and rust-color blemishes, on leaves of a newly planted skip laurel. Similar problems seem to be developing on a nearby newly planted oak leaf hydrangea. These plants have sun in the morning and some shade in the afternoon. Attached are images of two affected leaves on the skip laurel. Also attached is an image taken showing three small skip laurels the day they were planted, last month on April 3; the affected plant is the one in the middle. After the picture was taken all the new plants were surrounded by leaf mulch from the city of Takoma Park. They were about two feet tall when planted, and have grown a bit since then. Your advice on how to proceed would be much appreciated.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Overall, the shrubs look good. The leaf damage on the laurels looks like old damage and nothing to be concerned about. Monitor the shrubs during this growing season and look for new growth. You will have to check the moisture of the new shrubs at least once a week all the way up until the ground freezes and water if needed. The soil should be moist or damp to the touch. Do not overwater. Make sure mulch is no thicker than several inches and keep away from the base of the stems. See our website for care of trees and shrubs after planting http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/trees-and-shrubs/post-planting-care
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