They aren't normal with regards to healthy growth, though they can be common with regards to the vulnerability of Mountain-laurel to various infections, based either on weather, plant stress, or inherent genetic susceptibility for that individual plant. Mountain-laurel require soil that is very well-drained, and acidic in nature, though also do not tolerate drought very well unless they can be irrigated as needed. Leaf infections include one or more types of leaf spot fungus, and branch dieback can occur if the roots are stressed or dying due to excessive soil wetness or dryness. Sometimes, certain fungi can also infect stems above-ground, leading to branch dieback. Often this occurs in wet conditions, though some of the fungi responsible can do so following drought or high heat.

No fungicide will be of use for this situation, though monitor the shrub for watering needs by feeling the soil. (If somewhat dry to the touch around five inches deep, water thoroughly. If damp when checked, however, watering should not be needed.) Brown leaves will eventually fall off, and if any entire stems die back (where the tip is dead as well and no green foliage remains), prune them back to healthy growth and dispose of the debris. If, over time, too many branches die back, then remove the shrub as it will be too weak to recover well and will likely die out completely.

Miri

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