Bay Tree Growth

Question

We have a Bay tree that was given to us as a gift by my husband’s sister, who bought one exactly the same at the time she gave us ours. Her Bay tree is 20 foot+ in height and ours is about 2 foot in height. She has hers planted next to a fence in between other trees and shrubs. We have ours planted out in the open. Please tell us what you suggest we do with ours to enhance growth, or do we take the chance and re-plant it to another spot in the garden. I await a hasty reply, Blackduc

Answer 1

I think it is likely a nutrient issue. Have the soil tested, but in the mean time, it should be safe to give the tree a balanced fertilizer.

You also did not mention how close your sister-in-law lives to you. There may be slight climate changes that are influencing the growth. Even if she lives nearby, she could have a miroclimate (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/how-to-make-a-microclimate.htm) that is helping her tree along.