Dying Bay Tree

[ruff]

My 3ft tall bay tree looks really sad at the moment with a lot of brown leaves with brittle branches all over. Thinking that it was a hardy plant, I didn't bother taking the plant into the house during our harsh winter months. And now I'm seriously regretting it! Could anyone with experience growing bay advice how I could possibly save/ revive this tree, pls?

[Kristen]

Just leave it be, it will probably be find. Bay tends to get knocked back by cold winters.

Only real issue will be if the root ball was wet, and froze, during the cold spell. It may take all summer to recover, so don't be hasty to throw it out - but it may look a bit dishevelled for a while I'm afraid

[rana]

If it has been as dry as here of late you will need to water it.

[zazen999]

Ours was the same, and many others have got the same problems.

We cut it back hard and are looking for something to replace it; as we don't hold out much hope of survival.

[Flummery]

Hard pruning may stimulate new growth but potted trees may well have had the rootball frozen too. They are usually fine in the garden if they are planted out in the soil. Good luck with it.

[bearded bloke]

Ours was the same,
We cut it back hard

Ditto,

They are usually fine in the garden if they are planted out in the soil.

About 30ft away from our potted one is my neighbours planted one & although the outer leaves are brown the inner is looking green & lush,so given that & Flummeries advice the next one will be in the soil

[Glutton4...]

Two of my customers' Bay trees have suffered this winter. One dead, the other is still green under the bark. Get a sharp knife and cut into the bark a little way. If there's green it should be OK. Don't take a chunk out, just lift a little flap, and push it closed again after you've had a look.

[ruff]

Thks Kristen, I'm still hving high hopes that it turns around. Hope we will have more pleasant weather in the weeks/ months to come for it to recover!

[ruff]

Rana, will do! I've just topped up some compost and fertiliser for it too.

[ruff]

Glutton4,

Tht's a good idea. I will do that tomorrow first thing in the morning!

[ruff]

Flummery,

Would it help if I were to tip the root out to check on the rootball? And what should I do with it?

[Two_Sheds]

I'm lucky then, my bay has survived the prolonged cold snap and is looking green & healthy. It is in the ground, and relatively sheltered from cold winds

[rana]

With it cold enough to shatter terracotta pots it is not surprising that some potted plants suffered in the cold spell.

[lainey lou]

My potted bay is looking a bit sad too, gave it a feed yestreday and will cut back the dead bits.
Would be very sorry to see it go, it sits by my back door (kitchen) and I often lean out to pick a leaf or two for the pot.

[salilah]

Is it better to cut back or to leave it? My mother-in-law has a small standard bay in a pot that has suffered from the frost (Derby/Nottingham area - very bad frosts - her kitchen also suffered due to burst pipes!). The stems feel flexible but ALL the leaves are brown. Should we prune back thoroughly or lightly or just leave it and hope?
many thanks!
S