Laurel Plants Dying Off.

Question

I had 7 strong laurel plants. One by one they are wilting and dying. The leaves droop, wilt and fall off, and the branches go black. It seems to spread from one plant to the next, one at a time.

• 
• 

Answer 1

This is a fungal infection from severe overwatering. At this point, they will likely not make it, but you can make an attempt at correction with fungicides:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

Answer 2

Thanks for the reply. They are probably 4 feet tall but have never been watered. Up against my garden fence, with the street pavement on the other side. Puzzling that they prospered to get to this height over a few years then fell ill. I'll look into the fungicides.
Will the location just be a poor one for them?