Problems with cherry laurel

Question: I planted cherry laurel last year in the fall. Two of the three are really struggling, turning brown and dying while the center one is fine. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2023, 3:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Greg, It is hard to say from the photos, so I have some questions. It can be risky to plant broadleaf evergreens such as cherry laurel in the fall. That does not give them much time to develop a substantial root system to support themselves. Broadleaf evergreens continue to lose moisture through the stomata (pores) in their leaves, especially on very sunny or windy days, but cannot take up additional moisture from frozen soil. I suspect the frigid weather most of PA experienced right before Christmas is partly to blame. My question is mostly about the soil where they are planted - does it drain well, or is it heavy clay that holds a lot of water? Cherry laurels require good drainage. Also, I can't tell from the images if they may have been planted a little too deeply - they should have been planted at the same depth as they were growing in their pots or rootball (if B&B). Best regards, Sandy

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 12:45 PM EDT
response: I may be guilty of putting them a little too deep. Regarding the soil, I know there is some heavy clay deep. But I did dig a hole larger than the root ball and placed a lot of good soil around it. What would your recommendations be to save them? Or is it too late?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 25, 2023, 1:32 PM EDT
response: I would leave the one that's doing fine alone but maybe dig up and replant the two that are not doing well. Be careful about getting them too deep. Sandy

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 2:17 PM EDT
response: I may be guilty of putting them a little too deep. Regarding the soil, I know there is some heavy clay deep. But I did dig a hole larger than the root ball and placed a lot of good soil around it. What would your recommendations be to save them? Or is it too late?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 8:13 PM EDT
response: I may be guilty of putting them a little too deep. Regarding the soil, I know there is some heavy clay deep. But I did dig a hole larger than the root ball and placed a lot of good soil around it. What would your recommendations be to save them? Or is it too late?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2023, 8:22 PM EDT
response: I may be guilty of putting them a little too deep. Regarding the soil, I know there is some heavy clay deep. But I did dig a hole larger than the root ball and placed a lot of good soil around it. What would your recommendations be to save them? Or is it too late?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 1:39 AM EDT
response: I may be guilty of putting them a little too deep. Regarding the soil, I know there is some heavy clay deep. But I did dig a hole larger than the root ball and placed a lot of good soil around it. What would your recommendations be to save them? Or is it too late?

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 26, 2023, 1:39 AM EDT
response: I may be guilty of putting them a little too deep. Regarding the soil, I know there is some heavy clay deep. But I did dig a hole larger than the root ball and placed a lot of good soil around it. What would your recommendations be to save them? Or is it too late?