In article m,
peter123 writes
peter123 wrote:
*Hi,


I've had another look at the leaves and you're right, I can see
something on the underside....they appear to be small brown (1mmx2mm)
marks which run up the middle of the leaf...so I think you're
right....the brown marks also come off if I scrape them with my finger
(see picture).

Yes. Definitely scale insect. Good pic!

The problem is that this is on every leaf and there's no way I will be
able to scrape them all off.

The problem has become so serious (and please bear in mind I'm a
complete novice), that I am considering removing all the leaves and
seeing if it will grow again from the root (this is what I have read
about Bay Trees)....is this sensible?

Try a compromise - decide on a number - if leaf has more than that
number of scale, pick it off, otherwise, remove the scale.
You'll also find scale insect on the stems, so check those too.


--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm