issue with bay tree - Ask Extension
Attached are two pictures about one year apart. I believe it is some sort of bay tree. Is is situated on the south side of a garage, two blocks from ...
Knowledgebase
issue with bay tree #928092
Asked April 11, 2026, 2:40 PM EDT
Attached are two pictures about one year apart. I believe it is some sort of bay tree. Is is situated on the south side of a garage, two blocks from the ocean so it does get some wind. The leaves are dying on the top and north north/west side. Please advise.
Coos County Oregon
Expert Response
It looks like your tree is a type of cherry laurel. They are usually pretty hardy. It also looks like there might an insect chewing on the leaves. Have you noticed any insects on the leaves? Caterpillars often feed on laurel bushes.
Brown leaf tips or margins
Cause
Brown tips or margins often indicate drought in spring or summer. Young growth is particularly susceptible.
The damage is often worse where exposure to wind dries out the leaves. The damage is usually worse on the windward side of the plant. In coastal areas, salt-laden winds can also be especially harmful, but this is due to the effect of the salt as well as drying.
