Knowledgebase

What is eating these otto luykens? #451455

Asked May 03, 2018, 2:57 PM EDT

Can you tell us what to do about this Otto luyken damage?

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

There are a few possible causes, the first being winter damage.  Many broad-leaved evergreens incurred extensive leaf damage over the winter.  This will be hidden by new growth coming in (your plant looks very healthy.) No treatment or pruning is necessary.

If this is old spotting and holes, it may be caused by a fungal leaf spot disease known as as cherry leaf spot. Cherry laurels are susceptible to many leaf spot diseases but a common one is called ‘shot hole’ because the infected tissue dries up and falls out causing the tiny holes you describe. Mild, wet spring and early summer weather promotes this leaf spot. Rake up and dispose of infected leaves that fall off the plants. The disease is not serious but causes cosmetic damage. Spraying with a fungicide is not practical as the spraying regimen begins when the new leaves emerge and continues every two weeks or so throughout the summer.

You can simply prune out the affected parts. Do not over-water or water the plants from above. Good water management and air circulation can help control this disease.


ECN

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