Knowledgebase

Dying Laurel #851397

Asked September 27, 2023, 12:12 PM EDT

Height: about 8 or 9 feet. It was transplanted from 20 feet away (it was growing too well and took over the path), and never recovered. It looks like this now. What can I do? Its brother is doing very well.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Do you know when it was transplanted? It appears to have been recently since we are assuming if it was earlier in the season, it would most likely be showing more die back. Most likely it is failing from transplant shock. Broadleaf evergreens do best being transplanted in the spring. Given its size, was it watered well before digging? How much of the roots were pruned and dug to be transplanted? Has it been watered after the transplant? 

It is hard to say if it will make a recovery. Most likely the leaves will die and drop off the plant given their state of wilt right now. If you can keep it watered through the fall season (if there are sufficient roots to start regrowing) hopefully it will leaf out again next spring. If it does drop leaves and happen to send out new growth this fall, those new leaves will most likely suffer from winter burn and damage since they won't be hardened off yet. If that is the case, it could persevere through the winter and still leaf out next spring anyways. 

You can reference our water guide to help, just make sure to feel the soil before watering so that it isn't staying too wet. Watering Trees and Shrubs

At this point, if you keep it watered sufficiently, you will just need to wait and see if it makes a recovery. 

Let us know if you have further questions.

Emily

Thank you Emily, for this and for (#0121238). I'll follow your instructions and hope for a good April!

On Sep 27, 2023, at 2:13 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied November 02, 2023, 12:40 PM EDT
You're welcome!

(Our apologies if this reply is received late...a glitch in Ask Extension might have delayed our notification of client replies.)

Loading ...