Skip Laurels, known for their dense, glossy foliage, are a popular choice for creating hedges and privacy screens in many landscapes. These plants are evergreen, meaning they maintain their leaves throughout the year, providing consistent color and structure. While they do not undergo a complete seasonal leaf drop like deciduous trees, it is normal for them to shed some leaves.
Skip Laurels Are Evergreen
Skip Laurels, botanically known as Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’, are classified as evergreen shrubs. This characteristic allows them to retain their vibrant green leaves through all four seasons, including the colder months. Unlike deciduous plants that shed all their leaves in autumn, Skip Laurels continuously display their foliage, offering year-round visual appeal and privacy.
Normal Leaf Shedding
Despite being evergreen, Skip Laurels do shed leaves as a natural part of their life cycle. This process is gradual and continuous, not a dramatic seasonal event. Older leaves, especially those in the plant’s interior, will eventually yellow and fall off, making way for new growth. A small amount of yellowing or falling leaves is generally not a cause for concern and indicates healthy leaf turnover. This natural shedding often becomes more noticeable during late spring or early summer.
Why Leaves Drop Abnormally
When Skip Laurels experience excessive or unusual leaf drop, it often signals an underlying issue. One common cause is water stress, which can result from either too little or too much water. Underwatering leads to drought stress, while overwatering can cause root rot due to insufficient oxygen in saturated soil, both resulting in similar symptoms of wilting and leaf loss. Newly planted Skip Laurels may also experience transplant shock, where they shed leaves as they adjust to their new environment.
Environmental stressors also contribute to abnormal leaf drop. Winter burn occurs when cold, freezing winds and dry conditions cause leaves to dry out and turn brown, particularly in exposed locations. Extreme heat, especially when amplified by nearby structures like brick walls or paved areas, can also stress the plants. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to yellowing leaves. Pests such as spider mites, scale insects, or aphids, along with fungal diseases like leaf spot or shot-hole fungus, can also cause leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop.
Keeping Skip Laurels Healthy
Maintaining the health of Skip Laurels helps prevent abnormal leaf drop and ensures their continued vigor. Proper watering is important; established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture is beneficial, especially for younger plants. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry, avoiding overly saturated conditions that can lead to root issues. A 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Skip Laurels thrive in well-draining soil, adaptable to various soil types as long as drainage is adequate. They perform well in full sun to partial shade. Fertilization can be applied in spring after flowering, using a slow-release product, particularly if the plant shows signs of stress or nutrient deficiency. Regular pruning, typically done after flowering, helps maintain the plant’s shape, promotes air circulation, and removing diseased or damaged branches. Monitoring for pests and diseases and prompt treatment helps keep plants robust.