Top Questions About Sweet Bay Laurel Trees

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Questions About Sweet Bay Laurel Trees

Asked by
Anonymous on
April 3, 2011

Q. Standard Bay Trees With Cold Damage

I have two standard bay trees that are in pots against a wall. The recent cold weather seems to have killed the leaves, which are brown and dry. Have I lost them, or is there anything I can do to save them? I have had them a year.

Answered by
Nikki on
April 3, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

They can recover, if the stems are alive. The brown leaves will fall off. Then new leaves will grow back. Because bay trees grow slowly, this may take some time. This article will help you determine if the stems are still alive:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm

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Asked by
hkrahn on
June 21, 2011

Q. Can I Get Sweet Bay Laurel to Grow Indoors in Canada

Can I get seed or plants in Canada shipped here? After I saw your article on sweet bay, I searched, but could not find any available in Canada.

Answered by
Heather on
June 22, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

Check eBay. I have had great luck finding hard to find plants on there.

Yes, it will grow indoors in a bright window. I have had one for 7 years now that spends half the year on the porch and the other half in my dining room.

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Asked by
Anonymous on
August 15, 2011

Q. Bay Tree

Could you tell me why my bay tree leaves are turning yellow?

Answered by
Nikki on
August 16, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

There are many reasons this can happen. This article will help you determine which may be affecting your plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-leaves-turn-yellow.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
August 31, 2011

Q. Re-Potting Very Large Bay Tree

My Bay tree is approximately 10-12 ft. high with a head girth of approximately 14-15 ft. It is currently in a 2 x 2 x 2 ft. pot and the roots of the tree have burst open the pot, so I need to repot quickly. Where can I find a larger pot than the current one, and can the root ball be trimmed back? If so, how do I do this?

Answered by
Nikki on
September 1, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

I would check with your local nursery for a larger pot. As we are not sure how large the rootball is, it would be difficult to say where to find a pot. If you have not already considered it, you may want to think about using a half whiskey or wine barrel for the pot. In the short term, wrap the rootball in plastic and spray it down twice a day (letting the water flow away and not sit in the plastic) to keep the roots as healthy as possible.

Yes, you can trim back the roots. This article can help you with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/prune-roots.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
October 23, 2011

Q. Plant Problems

I have a Bay Tree in a large container. It has thrived nicely for many years, but this year the leaves are covered with black spots. This is a real shame as I like to use the bay leaves for cooking. Can the bay tree be saved or is it diseased?

Answered by
Nikki on
October 24, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

It sounds like it has a fungus, likely black spot. Treat the tree with a fungicide and it should clear it up. I like to use neem oil on plants I plan on using in food. This article has more on it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

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Asked by
blackduc on
January 1, 2012

Q. Bay Tree Growth

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

Answered by
Heather on
January 7, 2012
Certified Expert
A.

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.

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Asked by
lallen516 on
January 3, 2013

Q. How Far Apart Should I Plant Sweet Bay Laurels to Use as a Screen?

How far apart should I plant sweet bay laurels to use as a screen?

Answered by
AnnsGreeneHaus on
January 4, 2013
A.

Sweet Bay is slow growing to 12-15 feet wide. I tell customers that if they cannot wait for the screen to mature to size naturally, plant on spacing for one half the expected width, then cut every other plant out when they touch. For instance: Sweet Bay should be planted on 12 foot centers. If you want a fast screen, plant on 6 foot centers and when they touch, cut out every other sweet bay. IF, you have room, plant 2 rows, 15feet apart and stagger (zig-zag) your plants. That way, you won't have to remove any, and all will have enough room!

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