Bay tree winter damage

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by Lynn Valley, Apr 24, 2024.

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  1. Lynn Valley

    Lynn Valley Member

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    We live in North Vancouver and have a bay tree. It's about 10 years old and about 3 meters tall. Although the soil is poor and it's in shade for almost half the day, it has been growing fairly well.
    Until after this winter. The leaves have mostly turned brown and are falling off. Although it looks almost dead, I'm wondering if I can revitalize it by some vigorous or even radical pruning.
    Any ideas would be appreciated.
    Thanks!
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Leave it for a month or two more to see what resprouts from live wood below the frost damage. Then when it is obvious what is still alive and what is dead, prune off the dead shoots just above where the new shoots are growing.
     
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  3. Lynn Valley

    Lynn Valley Member

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    Thank you very much Michael. I'll watch and hopefully see new shoots.
     
  4. hundens

    hundens New Member

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  5. Lynn Valley

    Lynn Valley Member

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    Thank you Hundens.
     
  6. Margot

    Margot Renowned Contributor 10 Years

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    When I lived in Burnaby, I had a bay laurel shrub that grew to about 8 feet in height . . . until one particularly c0ld winter when it died to the ground. Mine did sprout back from the root and I hope yours does too. Sad though to lose such an attractive plant; good only for the soup pot for years to come.
     
  7. Lynn Valley

    Lynn Valley Member

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    Thank you Margot.
     
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  8. vitog

    vitog Contributor 10 Years

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    I just visited my daughter's home in the Strathcona area of Vancouver and checked out their bay tree, which is at least 8 ft tall. It is in a very sheltered spot but also succumbed to the cold snap. Almost all of the leaves have turned mostly brown, and I could see no sign of new growth anywhere. However, I still think that it should be given another month to show a sign of life. My Feijoa bushes that lost all of their leaves this year are just beginning to sprout new growth.
     

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