Hi Bonnie, 

Your laurels appear to have poorly established; this would also make sense since it is a recurring problem. When you planted the shrubs, did you root wash/disentangle the root ball if container grown (or remove burlap if they weren't potted)? How frequently are the shrubs watered? 

Unfortunately for these, the color indicates it is unlikely to rebound from this decline; evergreens turning this sickly yellow-green color rarely improve. We recommend monitoring them and replacing with a different shrub, using this method to plant: - https://www.therebloomsagarden.com/uploads/1/6/2/1/16212154/barerootprimer<personal data hidden>46-phpapp02.pdf

Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) is another native evergreen shrub and a good alternative to cherry laurel. it has dark green foliage, glossy black berries and does well as a foundation plant. 

Jamie

Hi Bonnie, 

Newly installed plants require regular watering, especially when the weather is warm and dry. Water when the soil below the mulch and in the root ball feels dry. Observe how quickly your soil dries out after a rain or watering; check your soil 4-6 inches deep with a trowel or a screwdriver and water when soil is dry at that depth.

I recommend reading our page on watering trees and shrubs and applying these practices to the shrubs on the side of your house. 

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs

Jamie