Bay tree

[suzy64]

I have a 12 year old bay tree in my garden, this year some of the leaves have gone yellow, is it dying? the rest of it looks healthy enough, it's approx 12ft tall, maybe more...any help would be much appreciated, thanks :o)

[skylight]

Hi Susy, The simple answer could be that it has lacked water throughout the summer. It will probably drop its yellow leaves but dont worry too much, just give it a good dose of slow release fertiliser in the spring and it should recover. The other answer could be that it has become infested with the bay sucker, Have a look at one or two of the leaves and check for little fluffy white beasties,the leaves will be sticky and they feed on the sap. If that is the case you will have to cut off all affected leaves. I dont think here is a licenced spray to deal with this. However I dont think this will kill it. You may get some other diagnoses from some of the other keen gardeners. Skylight

[Thunderbird+]

I feel inclined to agree with skylight and put it down to the drought conditions we've had this year, even evergreens shed some leaves from time to time.
I noticed holly trees have shed more than the usual amount of leaves this year also and seeing as the bay is of medeteranian orogins it should be well able to cope.
The only other possibility I can think of is if your soil is particularly acidic, you may have a touch of magnesium deficiency, in which case you could spray with magnesium sulphate at recomended dosage, otherwise follow Skylights advice. Good Luck Tbird+

[suzy64]

Thank you guys, put my mind at rest, it's been in the garden almost as long as we've had the house, would hate to lose it, plus it hides the neighbours lol...thank you both :o)