What is the shrub and why is it dying?

What is this? I have about 6 of them and two are worse than others. Is it bugs? There are a couple of holes in some of the leaves.

Should I cut these dead ones out? What can I spray on it to make it all better?

Thanks yall.

The Plants / shrubs look as if they have either been burned by either a blow torch OR sprayed with some form of weed killer or some other form of chemical.

Is this a possibility, can you give a bit more info about the plants like how long have they been growing in the garden, how long have they been looking the way they are and do you ever water, feed, or prune them.
Answering these questions might help a bit while offering advice.
Get back ASAP.
Kind regards.
WeeNel.

Well we moved in this time last year and the plants were here. I have done nothing at all to the plants. No water or anything. I thought shrubbery was self sufficient. Yesterday was the first time I went out to prune and pull weeds etc since we have moved in.

When you move into new property be assured I understand there are many, many other things you need to attend to before gardening.
There comes a time of year when all plants like a good drink, even the lawn IF there is no self watering systems installed. Most plants are self sufficient to an extent BUT depending on the type of seasons we are having, we do have to help nature along by feeding, weeding and watering, pruning, removing, moving (tree's / shrubs growing in wrong situation).
taking over a garden is a lot of work as your still trying to sort the house out and looking out into your new garden that is growing at the rate of light.
Take your time and just do a bit at a time, ask any questions you need help with and look around at the neighbourhood to see what jobs are being carried out when and how, then you will soon learn.
Enjoy your new home and hope the garden brings you years of pleasure.
Best wishes and kindest regards.
Weenel.

If you have a hose water the plants 5-10 minutes each plant. Get rid of rubbish on the soil, Check for other dry areas. I think the plants will survive. There are lots with that leaf shape. After a week or 2 look again. Hope the plants will be revived. New growth will come

I think they are one of the Prunus, such as Portuguese Laural or similar.
I agree with the above:
Start giving them a slow, deep soaking and see how they respond.
Once the new buds start growing you can figure out how to cut off the dead parts. But for now, no spraying, no pruning. Lets see what kind of growth response you will get.

Not all shrubs, even in an area with good rain, are self sufficient.
The rain does not fall under the eaves of the house, and the soil can be bone dry there, even if it is saturated elsewhere.

Might I suggest that you plant suffered from the extreme cold we had this past winter. It still looks alive and will probably come back okay.
Once stout shrubs are established they pretty much are self sufficient. But the first year after moving or planting they take regular waterings when their isn't rain.
Good luck.

Thanks everyone. I will water them and see what happens. Maybe it was the cold winter that killed part of shrub.

I really want to cut it, but I will wait and see what the watering does.

I can't see the pic too well. If it is Portuguese Laurel nothing will kill it!!! I had one by a window...neighbour built an extension so I had to take it out at 25feet!!! or more....the leaves were brilliant..variegated..bit pinky in spring

That looks like the damage I had this year to my rhododendrons. The leaves and branches dried out in the cold, harsh winter we had. I have fertilized my plants, watered multiple times, and am waiting to see which branches sprout any new leaves. Once I'm sure parts are dead, I will trim my poor shrubs.

Unfortunately Rhodys do not have the same come back as most of the Rosaceae. They do not break new buds anywhere near so well.
I hope you are starting to see something, by now.

UPDATE....I found the tag on one of them. They are ENGLISH LAUREL OTTO LUYKENS. I ended up cutting the crap out of them. They look awful now, but Im assuming they will come back looking okay.

thanks,

Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luykens' has a strong come back potential, should grow just fine.
Keep up the deep soaking and some fertilizer, especially if they are in an area where the rain does not water them. Watch the recovery, and it is OK to lightly trim the new growth if one odd branch seems to be taking off in a way you do not want it.

Its a dwarf hedge really.....you have cut back now give it a chance.......next time after flowering trim to the shape you want.....white flowers....black fruits........