Bay Leaf Tree Problems

Nutrient deficiency can be the problem in container-grown plants but is more commonly caused by waterlogged compost or cold weather damage. Peeling bark - following the recent harsh winters many bay trees developed cracking and peeling bark, especially on the lower main stems.

How do you rejuvenate a bay tree?

Old plants can be rejuvenated by cutting them back hard in late spring. It's best to do this over two years as bay can be slow to bounce back – cut half the stems back in year one and the rest in year two. Bay trees are becoming increasingly popular as topiary, due to their resilience to regular pruning.

Why are the leaves on my bay tree turning brown?

Brown leaves on the inside of bay trees are a regular occurrence, particularly after long, dry summers. It is caused by the plant becoming excessively dry over January and February. Bay trees grow especially well in a rich soil that is kept well-watered.

Are bay leaf trees invasive?

Yes, bay laurel trees have extensive root systems that can be invasive. If you are planting a bay laurel in the ground, be sure you plant it a reasonable distance from your home or any other structures. Do not plant bay laurel trees near a swimming pool or sewer lines, or on top of a septic tank.

How do I keep my bay tree healthy?

Position: Bay trees love a sunny or partially shaded area of the garden. Watering: Water regularly with well-drained soil during the growing season. Don't allow roots to stand in water. Less water is required in the winter months, but don't allow the tree to dry out.

Can you overwater a bay tree?

Bay trees in the open ground should not need watering once established. In containers watering is very important but should not be over applied. Moderate and regular watering is ideal. Overwatering can cause root damage.

Can you use Miracle Grow on bay trees?

Bay trees are not greedy but they do like something to live on. In spring and summer a light feed of a liquid feed like MiracleGro is beneficial. Make it up at half strength or less. Swapping over occasionally to a tomato feed, again at half strength, will avoid an excess of nitrogen.

Is Epsom salts good for bay trees?

Sprinkle a table spoon of Epsom Salt around your trees and shrubs once a month to help them achieve healthier and more foliage that is greener and more resilient to environmental factors.

What is the best fertilizer for bay trees?

A soil-based compost is best, providing longer-lasting nutrients and a bit of added weight that helps keep pots stable. A bag of John Innes No 2 would be ideal. From late spring to the end of summer, when the bays are in growth, additional feed will keep leaves green and plants healthy.

How do you save a brown bay tree?

The solution is to restrict the amount of watering and also try and maintain an even level of moisture in the soil. Bay trees in containers are very tolerant of lack of water for a month or so. If this has occurred don't soak the soil with water, water it back to a moist condition over a month or so.

Can you revive a dried out bay tree?

You can revive a bay tree by carrying out a initial hard prune, repotting it to ensure good drainage, keeping it regularly fed and watered during the growing season, and siting it in a sheltered position in either full sun or partial shade.

Will my bay tree recover?

Obviously, keep it well watered, but if the topgrowth gets any drier and browner and starts falling over the next 5 days, cut it all down, because by then, the best you can hope for is it regrows off the roots. With any luck, the roots haven't given up, its just sacrificed its topgrowth in order to survive.

Why do bay leaves have to be removed?

Main reason to remove them Technically, they can be eaten. However, their very rigid and leathery leaves don't soften with cooking, and their edges can even be sharp. Thus, they can present a choking hazard if you swallow them.

How deep do bay tree roots go?

Dig down as far as you continue to see pencil-sized roots. For reference, at a minimum, the root ball should be at least 14 inches wide and 12 inches deep for a three-foot tree. It helps if your spade has been freshly sharpened so that it cuts through the roots cleanly.

How long do bay trees last?

Bay trees are large and yet attractive trees which have dense, shiny foliage. These trees can live for 20 to 50 years if they are well cared for.

How do you treat a sick bay tree?

If the plant is affected, treat with fungicide. A foliar spray works well. In extreme cases, dig the soil away from the roots of the plant and replace with uninfected soil. Container plants should also have the soil replaced.

How do you thicken a bay tree?

To achieve a dense bushy hedge it is necessary to tip prune the plants on a regular basis. Unfortunately bay trees are not fast growing so it may take you a little time before you are able to achieve the desired result. Regular pruning will certain help to thicken up the hedge.

What can I spray my bay tree with?

Use neem oil for treating bay tree pests of this type. Spray it onto all parts of the plant using the formula on the bottle. Occasionally, thrips can also attack leaves. These are difficult to spot but should respond to neem treatments as well.

Can bay trees tolerate full sun?

Bay trees are pretty versatile and will grow in full sun or part shade. They are drought, frost and salt tolerant but need to have good drainage. If planting into clay soil help break it up with gypsum.

How do you make a bay leaf tree bushy?

The key to bay tree topiary pruning, or any topiary pruning in general, is multiple cuttings in a single growing season. A single heavy pruning should be done in the spring to achieve the desired shape. The tree will continue to grow throughout the growing season, and it can be trimmed back regularly to keep its shape.