Horticulture Guy

Q. I have English Laurel in clay soil. Two are doing well, but the other nine trees, the leaves are turning yellow and the plants are not growing. What should I do to save these laurels. I need them for screening. Thanks, Lisa Swan - Franklin, TN

A. I have two suggestions. I would suggest you should have a soil test performed. Contact your county agent or Master Gardener Program http://mastergardeners.tennessee.edu/ to find out how. Also since these are very fast growing plants they can often become root bound in the pot. If you did not tease the roots before you planted them there is a chance they may be wrapping around themselves (girdling) which would cut off water and nutrients. If this is the case you should first examine the roots by pulling away some soil from the surface. If this is the case you will need to lift the plants again and loosen or remove girdling roots.

-- HG