What is wrong w/ my laurels?

Laurels were planted about 2 months ago in front yard flowerbed. There are 6 in total, and 2 (currently) seem to be afflicted with this mysterious browning. I do not know if this browning is caused by lack of water or some sort of disease.

The browning literally occurred overnight. Driving to the house, I noticed the spotting on the back of the leaves. We've been receiving brief rain showers every 3 days.

Is this a serious problem or something simple as watering.

http://fryedrice.com/laurel/SNV30866.jpg

http://fryedrice.com/laurel/SNV30869.jpg

http://fryedrice.com/laurel/SNV30870.jpg

I'm not familiar with the type of laurel, but I would IMMEDIATELY cut off all affected parts and pull the mulch away as well. Drench the plant and soil under it with a fungicide in case it's a fungus problem. I don't think this is a lack of water problem. Can you post another photo that is a closeup of the problem???

I agree with daphnecat--treat it for fungus. You mention brief rain showers every few days which creates ideal conditions for fungus. I have 5 dwarf Helleri shrubs under my dining room windows that I treat for fungus EVERY time it rains and every 2 weeks if the weather is humid as they are very prone to problems with fungus. You might need to do that with your laurels.

I agree, looks like a fungal infection of some sort. In addition to what daphnecat suggested, I would also make sure when you water that you do it in the morning instead of the evening, and try to make sure you're not splashing the leaves. Watering in the evening means the leaves stay wet for a long time which creates a good breeding ground for fungus, and also when you water if you're not careful, fungal spores that are living in the soil can splash back up onto the leaves so you should try to avoid that. Obviously you can't control when nature waters it for you, but when you have to water them yourself that's something you should be careful of.

Thanks for the replies. I will try to post another picture once I get home (close up).

I took a leaf and pictures to a local nursery. They said it could be a fungus, especially w/ the amount of afternoon showers we were receiving. He seemed alarmed when I told him that this problem occurred overnight, and that there was a browning of the leaves. He mentioned that the plants probably weren't getting enough water and that the laurel should not be planted flush with the ground. He said the rootball should be slightly exposed and mulched over. I'll go home tonight and check the rootballs to make sure they are getting enough water.

One thing I didn't mention to him, but he could have seen from examining the leaves is that while the leaves are brown, they are not crispy like leaves can get from lack of water. The leaves still feel waxy even though their coloring is brown.

I bought some copper fungacide and intend on spraying when I get home.

This message was edited Jul 24, 2007 11:36 AM

Alright, here are some more.

Another picture.

BTW, we checked the root ball, and it's moist. Not dripping wet and not dry.

We just sprayed w/ some of that copper fungicide.

And another...

SullenAfterglow, you mentioned that you have been getting brief rain showers. Does the sun come out afterwards while the foliage is still wet? It looks like it could be getting sun scald. I would continue to use the fungicide as a precaution.

Its been raining mostly in the afternoon and night. I am not sure if the sure comes out right after a rain storm while the plant is still wet.

So, the lawn guy just stopped by, and he was perplexed by the situation as well. What amazed him was that the leaf root was still green, but the rest of the leaf was brown. He said typically w/ a fungus that the leaf root will not remain green. He said he will consult the nursery where he bought them and make them better!

I just wanted to provide anyone who reads this forum an update.

Just heard back from our lawn guy. He went o the nursery this morning, and they said it's mold.