Question
QUESTION: I have several skip laurels that were planted at the back of my yard last year. The leaves have started to turn yellow and there are holes in them. I don't see any pests.  What is wrong with them, and what do I do?

ANSWER: Hello Leanne,

Howdy, I'm "Coach Dave" and I work at The Home Depot. I am an avid shrub enthusiast and enjoy problem solving. The Skip Laurel or Prunus laurocerasus "Schipkaensis' is usually a very low maintenance shrub that likes ,sun, or part sun/shade area.

When describing your leaves turning yellow this usually means lack of nutrients, poor drainage/over watering, or simply winter burn. These can easily be remedied by a few simple actions.

Nutrients: a slow release general evergreen fertilizer high in potash and nitrogen that is rated for your hardiness zone.

Poor drainage/over watering:to fix poor drainage you would need to use a metal rake and really break up the soil around the shrub. Then add about 2-3 inches of mulch or bark.

Over watering: during fall and winter shrubs can go almost two weeks without a watering. During spring and summer once or twice a week. Usually the runoff water is enough to keep them happy.

Winter burn: This is fixed by trimming off the damaged leaves and branches and crossing your fingers for a quick recovery.

A last note: before you discount a pest or disease check closely to be sure.

Yours Respectfully,

Coach Dave





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Coach Dave,

I'm not ruling out any pest or disease. I just didn't see any. What pests might have caused these problems and how do I treat them?
Leanne

Answer
Dear Leanne,

The type of pest's usually are: Aphids,Scale,Beetles,Spider Mites, and Thrips. I prefer to use "Volck" oil instead of the usual insecticides. Insecticides tend to kill off the beneficial bugs.

Bayer advanced tree and shrub insecticide is the other product I use. Remember these take more than one treatment.

In terms of diseases, laurel wilt and evergreen fungus is sometimes common. Usually cutting back to allow sun to kill of the fungus will take care of this problem.

If you cut your watering to about 7 minutes, once a week, and put in a 2 inch layer of mulch your shrubs will make a great comeback.

Happy Gardening,

Coach Dave