Hi,
three years ago, we had a hedge planted along a total length of about 40 meters (130 feet) using Caucasian laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Caucasica') from a nursery. The plants were about 150-160 cm (59-63 inches) tall at that time.
We water the hedge during extended heatwaves and also regularly fertilize, prune, and care for the plants.
Still, the hedge loses almost all its leaves every year around April/May. Even many new small leaves turn yellow and fall off within a few days. This is quite frustrating because after three years, the hedge is still not dense due to the repeated leaf loss, which almost always happens between April and May.
I have read about possible causes online, but there are many different explanations listed—from underwatering to frost damage, or too little/too much fertilizer, and so on.
Our soil is relatively loose, meaning it’s more of a gravelly base. We have about 15 cm (6 inches) of humus, and underneath it is very rocky, with gravel and sand.
So, waterlogging is certainly not an issue (which the plants dislike). I make sure to water the hedge properly at least once a week and fertilize it twice a year. I’m honestly quite puzzled about what the cause could be. I know it’s difficult to diagnose from a distance, but maybe someone has had a similar problem and can offer advice or tips.
Thank you for any possible help.
Greetings from Lower Austria.
three years ago, we had a hedge planted along a total length of about 40 meters (130 feet) using Caucasian laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Caucasica') from a nursery. The plants were about 150-160 cm (59-63 inches) tall at that time.
We water the hedge during extended heatwaves and also regularly fertilize, prune, and care for the plants.
Still, the hedge loses almost all its leaves every year around April/May. Even many new small leaves turn yellow and fall off within a few days. This is quite frustrating because after three years, the hedge is still not dense due to the repeated leaf loss, which almost always happens between April and May.
I have read about possible causes online, but there are many different explanations listed—from underwatering to frost damage, or too little/too much fertilizer, and so on.
Our soil is relatively loose, meaning it’s more of a gravelly base. We have about 15 cm (6 inches) of humus, and underneath it is very rocky, with gravel and sand.
So, waterlogging is certainly not an issue (which the plants dislike). I make sure to water the hedge properly at least once a week and fertilize it twice a year. I’m honestly quite puzzled about what the cause could be. I know it’s difficult to diagnose from a distance, but maybe someone has had a similar problem and can offer advice or tips.
Thank you for any possible help.
Greetings from Lower Austria.
It’s no use. Take a soil sample along with these photos, including some yellow leaves, and visit a specialist store. They will analyze the soil for hopefully a low cost and give you advice on what might be causing the issue.
In my opinion, they are growing too sparsely. It is normal for some leaves to be replaced, meaning yellow leaves are lost from time to time.
Good luck, and please report back.
In my opinion, they are growing too sparsely. It is normal for some leaves to be replaced, meaning yellow leaves are lost from time to time.
Good luck, and please report back.
webdesigne11 May 2018 17:41Yes, it would be normal if the leaves turned yellow and fell off every few years, but not 80% of the leaves each year, including the small new ones.
It is probably just a minor issue; otherwise, no new leaves would grow. It’s just unfortunate that the hedge never becomes dense because of this.
I will proceed with the soil test and see what the experts advise.
Thank you all in advance for the tips.
It is probably just a minor issue; otherwise, no new leaves would grow. It’s just unfortunate that the hedge never becomes dense because of this.
I will proceed with the soil test and see what the experts advise.
Thank you all in advance for the tips.