Laurel alternatives.

12 years ago

Soooooo.... We wanted a green fence, since we live along a busy street and figured it could be higher and denser to block out the noise, English laurel is sortof a noobs go to isn't it? I think I've decided the problems are just too numerous to deal with, mold, wasps, tent caterpillars, weevils, fungal leaf spot/blight, the leaves are just sad, the flowers are sad, the deer are eatting them... I mean really! Can I get some ideas for alternatives? My fiance for some reason believes they are worth saving despite all these problems but we have so many other things in our garden to worry about, I would rather get something that's easier to grow and less attractive to bugs...!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
English laurel is sort of a noobs go to isn't it?

==>> not in any area i am aware of... which begs the question.. where are you ????

and you have had all those problems you list??? ... or only dreading potential??

regardless. ... your basic issue is choosing a shrub.. and there is a forum for such ... not that you arent welcome here.. but you might find other opinions/experts in other places....

though perhaps these bug and disease peeps will chime in .. if you tell us where you are.. and what zone.. etc ...

ken

ps: over the years.. have these plants gone from a good sun level.. to a lot of shade, because deciduous trees have overgrown them ... if so.. lack of vigor might be associated .. most healthy plants.. just wouldnt have this many problems ... i am trying hard to turn it into a clinic issue.. lol ...
sphinx_face
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes, I've had all these problems within the first 2 years of planting my hedge (it really has lost it's potential to be a hedge though, it's just a bunch of sad looking bushes). Who even knows what else is affecting them?? I live in Western Washington, and I know moldy leaves can be a problem but it's that combined with the blight/leaf spot that is just frustrating. The bugs are a pain of course as well... I'm starting to believe my yard is cursed or something, cause I've seen great hedges in nearby areas that seem just fine?

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I just kinda figured since I'm trying to avoid pests and disease that it might be a good place to look ;)
Related Professionals
Fayetteville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Cambridge Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Raleigh Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Muskogee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Charleston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Beatrice Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Elmira Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Carson City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Pittsburgh Landscape Contractors · Anchorage Landscape Contractors · Ashland Kitchen Remodelers · Portsmouth Kitchen Remodelers · Portsmouth Kitchen Remodelers · Chico Kitchen Remodelers · London Kitchen Remodelers
sphinx_face
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh and mainly I say laurel is a noobs go to because everyone has heard of them/knows what they are. Maybe it's just my noobness that has caused all these problems?

I even planted some laurel sprouts on the other side of the yard hoping to grow some healthier plants to replace the dying ones but not a month goes by and it's swarmed by a litter of tent caterpillars! I just... I dunno anymore ;(

Edit: I just saw your PS: we planted them in this spot because it gets tons of sun, there hasn't been any changes in that regard since they were planted.

This post was edited by sphinx_face on Tue, May 13, 14 at 9:35