What is happening to my Portuguese laurel - Ask Extension
Hello, this Portuguese laurel was in my yard when I moved here 23 years ago. It has been doing fine until just lately. The only thing that has happene...
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What is happening to my Portuguese laurel #890111
Asked November 20, 2024, 7:54 PM EST
Hello, this Portuguese laurel was in my yard when I moved here 23 years ago. It has been doing fine until just lately. The only thing that has happened to it was a hard trim given to it by neighbors (on their side of the fence) in summer, which removed perhaps about a 1/6th to an 1/8th of the canopy. It seemed ok after that but now a huge amount of the leaves are yellowing & falling off and I notice many of them have large and small holes. I guess this is maybe ‘Shot hole’ infection? Please see pictures. Is there anything I can do to help this tree survive? I know many might consider this a "garbage" tree but it's the tree I have and it does supply worthwhile coverage and habitat. Thank you for your help!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Your tree may be shedding extra leaves this year, but these are strong growers and it doesn’t appear to be on death’s door.
Oregon State has a page about Prunus lusitanica, the Portuguese laurel. You’ll see photos there showing the contrast in leaves with English laurel. I can’t see leaves clearly enough to identify your tree, but you can, I’m sure. Both trees grow much the same.
Check out this prior Q&A about laurels and shothole. The cause of the holes, and even the heavy leaf shedding, may be environmental from our recent hot summers or changes in the canopy from pruning. I anticipate the tree will look fine by next summer. If there is excessive leaf spotting, though, get leaves diagnosed before the center of the spot falls out.
Your tree might benefit from pruning to rebalance the canopy and open it for more airflow. The branch structure can be studied for strength as well. I bring it up because laurels can get so big. If you hire an arborist to do this, check they are certified, here.
Oregon State has a page about Prunus lusitanica, the Portuguese laurel. You’ll see photos there showing the contrast in leaves with English laurel. I can’t see leaves clearly enough to identify your tree, but you can, I’m sure. Both trees grow much the same.
Check out this prior Q&A about laurels and shothole. The cause of the holes, and even the heavy leaf shedding, may be environmental from our recent hot summers or changes in the canopy from pruning. I anticipate the tree will look fine by next summer. If there is excessive leaf spotting, though, get leaves diagnosed before the center of the spot falls out.
Your tree might benefit from pruning to rebalance the canopy and open it for more airflow. The branch structure can be studied for strength as well. I bring it up because laurels can get so big. If you hire an arborist to do this, check they are certified, here.
