How to Revive a Dying Laurel Plant

As a gardener, nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing your beloved laurel plant start to fade and die. Laurels are such iconic shrubs with their glossy evergreen foliage and sweet floral scent. If your laurel is looking sickly, don’t give up hope yet! With a little patience and TLC, you can revive your dying plant and enjoy its beauty and fragrance for years to come.

Assessing the Damage

First, take a close look at your plant to see how bad the damage is. Are only a few branches dying back, or is the whole plant hurt? How much healthy foliage is still there? The worse the damage, the less likely it is that the plant will recover, but plants that have lost most of their leaves or are completely brown and brittle can still be brought back to life with quick care.

Check to see if the lower trunk and roots have any signs of rot or pest damage. Cut off a small branch and look at the stem. Dry, dead wood will snap easily, while healthy wood is more flexible. This first check will help you figure out what the real problem is.

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 an important part of bringing a sick laurel back to life. Use bypass pruners to remove all dead or dying branches. Cut back to just above healthy wood. Get rid of any small, crowded inner branches as well to let more 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.

Keep an eye on the pH of the soil and add sulfur if necessary to keep it acidic. Prevent future drought stress by installing drip irrigation. If too much water is the problem, improve drainage by adding soil amendments. If plants get scorched, move them away from heat sources or areas where sunlight is reflected.

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.

Reviving a dying laurel takes time and diligence, but it’s very possible if you catch the decline early and take the right steps. By assessing damage, fixing underlying issues, pruning wisely, and providing attentive aftercare, you can nurse your laurel back to abundant health. Pay close attention to its needs and don’t give up too soon. With dedicated effort, your beloved laurel can thrive for years to come.