Why Does My Cherry Laurel Look Sickly?

Does the whole shrub declines, small holes are present in stems?

Are the leaves and twigs covered by small bumps?

Are the leaves discolored?

Are the leaves yellow and the plant looks weakened?

Do the leaves have shot hole patterns?

Do the leaves have red spots on them?

Holes in stems are made by tiny beetles called shothole borers. Shothole borers prefer injured or diseased trees and shrubs. Prevent attacks by maintaining the vigor of the shrubs. Cut and burn any dying stems below the borer holes. In June, crush any visible eggs. During the summer season, check to see if fine boring dust is being pushed from small borer holes. Cut out holes with a sharp knife. If the tunnels are fairly straight, kill the borer larva by probing the tunnel with a flexible wire.

Brownish bumps on leaves and twigs of cherry laurel are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Laurel psyllid is an insect that sucks plants sap, causing discoloration and distortion (cupping) of foliage. Adults, about 1/10 inch long, are commonly known as "jumping plant lice", resembling tiny cicadas, covered with whitish waxy filaments. Control them by spraying shrubs in early spring with light horticultural oil to kill adults and eggs. Spray established pests with insecticidal soap every 3 to 5 days for two weeks.

Yellow leaves and stunted look are caused by whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.

Cherry shot hole disease is a foliar fungal disease favored by wet weather. The leaves have a shot hole pattern that looks like it was caused by an insect. The infected leaf tissue falls out and the holes are left behind. The damage is cosmetic and no chemical controls are recommended. Rake up any fallen foliage. The plant will recover.

Your plants might be suffering from fungal leaf spots. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

Cherry laurel shrubs are vulnerable to winter damage. Winter sun and wind sometimes burn and dry the broad leaves, giving them a scorched appearance. Erect a protective screen of burlap or spun agricultural fabric around shrubs that show this problem. Be sure to allow adequate air circulation around the shrub. Do not wrap it, do not use plastic.