Knowledgebase

Dying English Laurel Hedges #805879

Asked August 11, 2022, 7:03 PM EDT

We have 100 feet of laurel hedges we believe are English Laurels. Sections of the hedge periodically die and we're not sure why. The leaves turn brown first then the limbs. We've used copper spray for fungus and deep pruning down to the stump which gets the plant to get new growth for a while, but it doesn't last. This repeats yearly in one spot and we are clueless. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it before we doctored it recently. Any suggestions on what might be doing this? The rest of the hedge is very healthy and gets regular pruning.

Marion County Oregon

Expert Response

Dear Louise,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your laurel. Cherry~, common~ and English laurel are all common names for Prunus laurocerasus. There may be something causing intermittent damage to the roots. However, without photos and more information, it is not really possible to say.

Please be aware, however, that both Washington and Oregon consider the plant to be invasive. You may wish to read more about it here: 
https://www.evergreen.ca/downloads/pdfs/Invasive-Plant-Profile-Cherry-Laurel.pdf

Thank you for your inquiry. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Best Regards, Replied August 12, 2022, 2:43 PM EDT

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