Laurel hedge

[james33]

Hi All

I have a problem with my 3 year old laurel hedge. It has developed some bronw marks/spots. It is looking pale in places also.

Any suggestions on the problem/treatment?

Many thanks

[gardengal]

Prunus laurocerasus? Like all the rest of the Prunus clan, it can develop and assortment of various fungal and bacterial issues. Shothole, both a fungal and a bacterial problem, can cause brown leaf spots that later lose the dead tissue so look as if someone took a shotgun to the plant. Some cultivars are more prone to the problem than others, but in general, avoidance of over head watering and good air circulation will go a long way in relieving the problem. Pale looking foliage is often a sign of chlorosis, most often due to an iron deficiency. Applying iron chelate or a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants (good for ANY broad leaved evergreen) should rectify the issue.