Cherry Laurel Turning Yellow Then Brown on Lower Branches

Nitrogen Deficiency

• Nitrogen, along with potassium and phosphorous, is one of the three most common fertilizer ingredients for plants because they are among the most likely to be lacking in the soil. Nitrogen promotes green growth on a plant and encourages new shoots and leaves. If your cherry laurel is experiencing a nitrogen deficiency, the older leaves (those at the bottom of the tree) will begin to yellow while the newer leaves typically exhibit a lighter, bright green color.

Potassium and Phosphorus Deficiencies

• Cherry laurels with potassium deficiency often exhibit wilting, scorched older leaves that may or may not start off with yellow or brown scorching that proceeds into a full scorched appearance. The base of the leaves may display interveinal chlorosis, as well, and scorching symptoms progress from the edges of the leaves inward. When cherry laurel experiences a phosphorous deficiency, you'll notice the tips of the older leaves exhibiting a scorched or slightly burned appearance followed by a dark, reddish, purplish-brown color.

Spider Mites

• Although cherry laurels are typically considered pest- and disease-resistant, these trees are prone to spider mite infestations. Some mite species start their infestations at the bottom of their hosts, including spruce mites which feed on conifers. However, spider mites of other species often start in a localized area of their host. Mites feed by inserting their sucking mouthparts into the leaves and sucking out chlorophyll. Smaller infestations result in stippled leaves; heavy infestations result in yellow leaves that eventually turn brown and die. Leaf distortion also occurs with heavy feeding.

Treatment Options

• For nutrient deficiencies, simply adding the nutrient to the soil can help reverse the symptoms. Before adding fertilizers, perform a soil test through your local university extension or by purchasing a test at a local nursery. The test results will tell you the pH of your soil which can greatly affect how much of certain nutrients your cherry laurel is able to take in and how how much of a certain nutrient to add. Your university extension office may also give recommendations on the correct fertilizers for your region and specific care requirements. For spider mites, spray the laurel with a strong jet of water from the garden hose to help knock off the mites. Few miticides are commercially available and aren't always effective.