Q.Neighbours poisoning my plants
6 years ago I planted some pittosporum shorty and magnolia little gems along my front hedge, they grew to about 3 feet high, but since the new neighbours moved in 18 months ago, my front hedge plants closest to their property have been dying. I believe they’ve had 2 goes at poisoning them. The first time about 12 months ago my magnolias died right back, but then 6 months later started shooting again, and at the same time my pittosporums showed dying back from the tips in the centre of the plants only. Needless to say these pittosporum branches died back but the other branches survived, and then gradually the bush started to flourish again. I was told by an arborist that it looked as though someone had put round up on my plants because they were dying back from the tips. Now the same pittosporums have suddenly died completely, not just from the tip but the whole plant at once. I fear that I will never be able to plant anything along my hedge here due to the neighbours wanting clear views across my property. Is there any way I can roundup proof my hedge plants??
I would start with a soil test. You County Extension Office can help you with this for just a small fee.
This link will help you find the nearest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
Fungus or bacterial diseases are the most likely cause in this case.
Clean up any dropped leaves as leaving on the ground can spread the disease.
Avoid watering from above; water at the soil line.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/pittosporum/growing-japanese-pittosporum.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm
