On Sat, 27 Mar 2010 lilypools wrote:

Hi,I live in East Yorkshire, between Hull and York and I have a bay tree
in my front small garden which is about 10ft high and 10 years old
(since it was planted in my garden). I had been planning on having it
trimmed back this year but over the winter it appears to have died. The
leaves are mostly still in place but all dried up and I cannot see any
signs of budding. I have another shrub next to it, not sure what it is,
that is suffering the same. Next door has a smaller bay tree which
looks totally healthy. Do you think it is a lost cause or does anyone
have any suggestions as the best way to proceed to try to save both
plants? Thanks

Bay trees are surprising things. When I planted mine over twenty years
ago it died back to below ground level. Then it produced a new shoot
and, until I cut it back drastically last year, it grew to be as tall as
my house.

I cut it back only because I thought it was a fire hazard. Have you ever
seen one burn? Quite spectacular!

David

--
David Rance writing from Caversham, Reading, UK
http://rance.org.uk