How to Revive a Dying Laurel Plant

Laurel is a popular broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its lush, glossy foliage and fragrant white or pink flowers However, even when properly cared for, laurels can sometimes start to decline and die back. Don’t give up hope if your laurel plant starts looking sickly – with some targeted TLC, you can often revive a dying laurel.

Assessing the Damage

The first step is to take a close look at your plant to identify the extent of the damage. Are just certain branches dying back or is the entire plant affected? How much healthy foliage remains? The more widespread the damage, the lower the chances of recovery. But even plants that have lost most leaves or are entirely brown and brittle may still be revived with prompt care.

Check if the roots and lower trunk show signs of rot or pest damage. Prune off a small branch and examine the stem – dead wood will be dry and snap easily. Healthy wood is more flexible This initial inspection will help pinpoint the underlying issue.

Common Causes of Laurel Decline

Knowing the most likely causes of your laurel’s distress can guide your revival efforts:

• Insufficient water Drought stress makes laurels vulnerable Leaves yellow, wilt, and drop

• Overwatering: Root rot from soggy soil kills roots and leaves.

• Poor drainage: Waterlogged soil suffocates roots leading to dieback.

• Extreme weather: Laurels dislike prolonged heat, drought, or freezing cold.

• Pests: Common laurel pests like scale, mites, or borers weaken plants.

• Diseases: Bacterial or fungal diseases may also trigger decline.

• Root damage: Construction work, tilling, or transplant shock can damage roots.

Pruning for Revitalization

Pruning is vital for bringing a distressed laurel back to life. Use bypass pruners to remove all dead or dying branches. Cut back to just above healthy wood. Also prune away small, crowded inner branches to improve air flow.

If the entire plant is nearly dead, cut it back nearly to the ground. New shoots may sprout from the base. Even drastic pruning is better than leaving damaged branches. Disinfect tools between cuts to avoid spreading disease.

Fixing Root Problems

If poor drainage or rotten roots are the issue, the laurel needs help to recover its root system. Carefully dig up the plant and inspect the roots. Cut away any black or mushy roots. Replant the laurel with new well-draining soil amended with compost. Create a drainage layer of gravel or sand at the base. Stake the laurel if needed while new roots establish.

Adjusting Growing Conditions

Review your laurel’s growing needs and adjust conditions accordingly. Laurels thrive in part shade and moist, acidic soil. Ensure the plant gets sufficient water during dry periods. Add organic mulch to retain soil moisture. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced or acid-loving formula.

Monitor soil pH and amend with sulfur if needed to maintain acidity. Prevent future drought stress by installing drip irrigation. Improve drainage with soil amendments if excessive moisture is the culprit. Relocate plants away from heat sources or reflected sunlight if scorch occurs.

Treating Pests and Diseases

If pests or diseases are present, take prompt action to eliminate them before they further impact the laurel. For severe infestations, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Apply antifungal treatments if fungus is confirmed. Improving plant health helps strengthen its natural defenses.

Catch problems early by routinely checking for common laurel pests like scale, mites, borers, and aphids. Disinfect tools and remove diseased debris to prevent spread. Preventive neem oil applications also deter future pest issues.

Providing Aftercare

Once issues are diagnosed and addressed, continue monitoring your laurel and making adjustments as needed while it recovers. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil become dry. Fertilize occasionally with a balanced or acidic formula. Prune out any dead branches as new growth appears.

Reduce environmental and pest stressors. Replenish mulch layers. Your attentive care should help the laurel regain its former lushness over one or more growing seasons. Avoid overfertilizing or overpruning the distressed plant.

Know When It’s Time to Replace

Despite your best revival efforts, some laurels decline too much to recover. If most of the root system is dead or the trunk shows severe damage, the shrub likely cannot be saved. The same may be true if every branch has died back.

Laurels stressed by inhospitable growing conditions also sometimes never bounce back. If no new growth appears after a full season of care, it may be time to replace the plant with another laurel suited to the site.

Don’t Give Up Too Soon!

With persistence and targeted troubleshooting, you can often bring a laurel plant back from the brink. Even seemingly dead plants may surprise you with their ability to produce new shoots when pruned and cared for properly. Don’t be too quick to discard your laurel – revitalization is usually possible with attention and patience.