Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - October 19, 2015
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Shrubs
Title: Need help for diseased Cherry Laurel tree in Houston
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
A couple of weeks ago the leaves on my decade old cherry laurel began to turn brown. Now they are entirely brown. I have not changed the way in which I cared for it, but about three days ago I noticed a green mold or fungus at the base of the trunk. I am assuming this is the cause of the demise of my tree. My question is, do I need to remove the tree or is the mold something I can cut out and nurse the tree back to health? When I scrap the trunk, it is still green underneath so it is still alive, but I don't know for how much longer. I will try to upload a picture of the mold for identification purposes.ANSWER:
It is very difficult to diagnose plant problems from a written description, and photos aren’t always that helpful.
The first thing that you need to do is to determine what is causing your plant’s demise by having a knowledgeable person take a look at the plant. I would suggest contacting the folks at the Harris County office of Texas AgriLife Extension.
I am providing links to three sites that can give you more information about diseases in Cherry Laurel
Yardener
More Shrubs Questions
Hot Sunny Planter Suggestions for Florida
March 05, 2013 - We have a large, raised, concrete planter (about 15' L x 2' W) separating us from our condo neighbor in Clearwater, FL. We would like suggestions for shrubs that tolerate full sun and hot conditions...
view the full question and answer
Mountain laurel planting over Frederickburg limestone
March 22, 2012 - We have rocky limestone shelves on our property. We want to plant a mountain laurel. Are the roots strong enough to break through the limestone or should we try to find another location? The limestone...
view the full question and answer
Blueberries in Arlington TX
August 25, 2009 - Which wild or native blueberries can I grow in Arlington
Texas? I think it is zone 8?
view the full question and answer
Tree or shrub with non-invasive roots from San Jose CA
June 16, 2013 - I am looking for a small tree/ large shrub (non higher than a one story roof) with non-invasive roots to replace a 25 foot cedar. It is in a small area
(5x 7) bordered to the side by a driveway...
view the full question and answer
Yaupon hollies dying mysteriously
July 16, 2014 - I have a row of yaupon hollies (Ilex vomitoria) that I keep trimmed like a hedge. They were all healthy for many years. Two years ago one of them died and I removed it, leaving a gap in the line of h...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |