Bay Laurel with Scorched Leaves

Q. I have two bay laurel trees planted in a narrow bed behind my swimming pool. They were planted there for about 7 years, and in the last couple of years, the leaves have developed brown borders and spots. There doesn’t seem to be excessive leaf drop, but the leaves don’t look healthy to me.

Bay Laurel tree will be healthiest surrounded by woodchip mulch

A. Sounds like an irrigation or soil issue if it’s affecting all the leaves on the tree. 

Irrigation or Soil Problem

I would guess it’s drought (not enough water) or the soil was kept too wet for a long period of time. Both give brown borders (scorch) to the leaves. My guess is that the trees need water applied to a larger area underneath their canopy. This will result in more water applied to that area.

            Judging from the pictures you sent, this is not a true disease problem.

Bay Laurel Planted from 24 Inch Box

Add More Emitters for More Water

            As trees get older and larger, their water requirement increases and the number of emitters placed under the canopy also must increase. By increasing the number of emitters under the tree, or increasing the size of emitters or both, provides more water during the same number of minutes. Don’t just increase the number of minutes on the controller. That results in all the irrigated plants getting more water.

Bay Laurel can be pruned

Don't Water Too Often

            A word of caution. If the soil is overly wet for weeks at a time, then it can cause the same look. When the soil is overly wet it causes root rot and the tree looks like it is not getting enough water (it’s not getting enough water because the roots rotted!).

Leaves Tell You the Past

            Whenever you look at old leaves, it tells you about its past problems. The new growth tells you how the tree is doing NOW! If you agree with me that it is probably a lack of water, flood the area under the trees with a sprinkler and look at the new growth in a couple of weeks. If the new growth looks strong, add more drip emitters under the tree canopies. After adding the emitters, refresh the top of the soil with a 3-inch layer of woodchips.