Bay leaf tree, or Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a well known garden plant. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that provides leaves commonly used in cooking to add flavour as a pot herb that is added during cooking and then removed before the dish is eaten. It can also be a useful landscaping plant, and is commonly used in hedgerow or border planting.
Bay can be relatively easy and straightforward to grow. But there are certain problems that can crop up. To help you grow your bay successfully, we’ve come up with this list of common bay leaf tree problems and how to solve them:
First of all, some of the problems that are common when growing bay laurel involve environmental issues. For example, you might see:
Bay leaf plants with their aromatic and flavorful leaves are a beloved addition to many gardens. However, a common problem that bay leaf plant owners face is yellowing leaves. If you’ve noticed your bay leaf plant’s leaves turning yellow, it can be worrying. But don’t fret – in most cases, the causes of yellow bay leaves are easily addressed. This article will explore the various reasons for yellow bay leaves and provide actionable solutions to restore your plant’s health.
Overwatering
One of the most prevalent causes of yellow bay leaves is overwatering. Bay leaf plants prefer well-draining soil and can’t tolerate soggy conditions. When overwatered their roots suffocate unable to absorb nutrients and water properly. This manifests as yellowing leaves.
To fix overwatering, allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Bay leaf plants should only be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Furthermore, ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, underwatering can also cause yellow bay leaves. When a bay leaf plant lacks sufficient water, its roots are unable to absorb nutrients effectively. This leads to nutrient deficiencies that appear as yellowing leaves.
Check if your plant needs more frequent watering. Stick your finger into the soil to gauge its moisture. Water thoroughly whenever the top layer becomes dry. Additionally, fertilize to replenish depleted nutrients.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can result in yellow bay leaves. Nutrient deficiencies impair the plant’s ability to produce chlorophyll, leading to yellowing.
Older leaves generally turn yellow first as the plant redirects nutrients to new growth. To fix this, fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every month during spring and summer. Adding compost also replenishes vital nutrients.
Pests
Sap-sucking pests like aphids, scales, and spider mites can drain your bay leaf plant’s nutrients and vigor. This manifests as yellowing leaves. Check the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, for signs of infestation.
Blast away pests with a strong jet of water. For severe cases, use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Ensure thorough coverage, including leaf undersides and stems. Repeat applications may be needed.
Diseases
Fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust can interfere with nutrient absorption, causing yellow leaves. Leaf spots manifest as small brown/black spots that can grow into larger lesions. Powdery mildew coats leaves in white powdery growth. Rust appears as orange/brown raised bumps on leaves.
Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Spray neem oil or sulfur fungicide to treat outbreaks. Good sanitation is key to managing diseases.
Root Rot
Excess moisture around the roots promotes fungal growth leading to root rot. With its roots compromised, the plant is unable to take up nutrients and water, hence the yellowing leaves.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Transition the plant to a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil. Remove diseased mushy roots and repot into fresh soil. Apply fungicide drenches to protect healthy roots.
Improper Soil pH
Bay plants thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. Soil pH extremes can lead to nutrient deficiencies causing yellowing leaves. Alkaline soil causes iron, zinc, and manganese deficiencies while overly acidic soil leads to lack of calcium and magnesium.
Test your soil’s pH using a kit. Lower pH with elemental sulfur or peat moss. Raise pH by adding dolomitic lime. Replenish depleted nutrients with organic fertilizers when pH is corrected.
Light Problems
Insufficient light prevents optimal photosynthesis, impairing the plant’s ability to produce chlorophyll and sugars. This weakens the plant and causes yellowing.
Move your bay leaf plant to a sunnier location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. South or west-facing spots are ideal. Supplement natural light with grow lights if needed.
Cold Temperatures
Bay leaf plants are sensitive to cold. Low temperatures below 10°C can disrupt their metabolism and nutrient absorption. As such, exposure to frost and cold winds can lead to yellowing leaves.
Protect your bay leaf plant by moving it indoors or to a sheltered area when cold temperatures hit. Make sure it stays between 10-25°C. Insulate the roots by mulching around the base.
Old Age
As bay leaf plants mature and age, their lower leaves naturally turn yellow and drop off. This is part of the plant’s natural growth cycle and not necessarily indicative of problems.
To rejuvenate an old plant, prune back overgrown stems to encourage fresh growth. Fertilize regularly and repot into fresh soil every 2-3 years. Remove yellow leaves promptly to maintain vigor.
Solutions to Restore Health
Now that you’re familiar with the common reasons behind yellow bay leaves, here are some effective solutions to rehabilitate your plant:
- Adjust watering frequency and improve drainage
- Apply balanced fertilizer to nourish the plant
- Control pests and diseases using organic sprays
- Repot in suitable soil with proper pH
- Provide adequate sunlight and protect from cold
- Prune and propagate to rejuvenate old plants
With diligent care tailored to its needs, your bay leaf plant will soon regain its dark green luster. Pay close attention and act promptly when you notice yellowing leaves. Early intervention will help get your bay leaf plant thriving once again.
Disease Problems in Bay Leaf Tree
If environmental conditions have not been ideal for your bay leaf tree, then disease is more likely to take hold. In order to decrease the chances of a pathogenic problem, make sure that you keep your plants ‘happy’ and as free from stress as possible.
Bay leaf trees are generally not troubled by disease all that often. But Phytophthora root rot is one thing that can affect these plants. This fungus-like organism can infect your bay tree and cause weakness and slow collapse. As with most diseases, prevention is better than cure. Make sure you eliminate problems with weak drainage and that you have placed you bay in a suitable spot.
If this disease has already taken hold, you may be able to save your tree by removing the soil from all around the tree, cutting away any dark or oozing bark, and leaving the root system exposed to dry, which can slow the spread of this infection.
Why leaves are turning yellow I How To Fix It
FAQ
How do you treat yellow leaves on a bay tree?
What is a solution for yellowing of leaves?
What to do when laurel leaves go yellow?
How do you fix yellow leaves from overwatering?
What causes yellow leaves on a bay tree?
Yellowing leaves on a Bay tree can be caused by a variety of factors. Some possible causes include: Overwatering or under watering: as mentioned before, it is important to water your Bay tree regularly, but be careful not to overwater it.
Do bay trees have yellow leaves?
In addition to its culinary uses, Bay trees can also be grown as ornamental plants, as they have beautiful glossy leaves and a distinctive aroma. However, Bay trees can sometimes experience problems, and one common issue is yellowing leaves.
Why do bay laurel leaves turn yellow?
The good news is that bay laurel leaves sometimes turn yellow simply due to the age of the plant. Bay laurels are also known to shed a few leaves at random for no obvious reason and the condition may be completely harmless. Just remove the yellow leaves, make sure the area around the plant stays tidy, and give it a bit of fertilizer.
Why do bay trees have brown leaves?
Brown leaves can be alarming to see on any plant, but especially on a bay tree whose chief glory is its aromatic dark green leaves. In many cases, the problem is a simple lack of water. Whether grown in the ground or in a container, bay trees will become stressed and develop brown leaves if they can’t access enough water to thrive.