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If there are holes in the leaves or nibbled leaves on the cherry laurel, several pests and diseases can be responsible. It is possible to combat them gently by a number of means.

In a nutshell

  • not only insects can prove to be harmful
  • Damage and discoloration can be caused by diseases
  • Fighting causes gently is also beneficial for the cherry laurel and the environment
  • there are numerous suitable means to choose from
  • targeted and timely action is critical to rescue

signs of an infestation

Possible indications of an infestation with parasites or pathogens are the following signs:

  • frayed leaf edges
  • yellow to brown discoloration
  • holes in the leaves
  • deformed foliage
  • withering or drying up shoots
  • increasing stunted growth

So it's not just holes in leaves that indicate parasites or germs. Any limitation or deviation from a healthy appearance can constitute symptoms. Mistakes in care are also a possible trigger.

pests as a cause

Although several larvae, beetles and other insects can be considered pests on cherry laurel, the vine weevil is most often responsible for the holes in the leaves. The adult beetles feed on the green. The larvae, on the other hand, are initially in the ground and then migrate upwards. They feed initially on the roots and later on the bark.

An infestation can be recognized by the following signs:

  • eaten leaves
  • affected leaves turn yellow
  • Cherry laurel goes in

However, the insects themselves are difficult to recognize and find, even with regular checks. Because the adult beetles are only up to one centimeter long and have a dark gray to black color. Crucially, however, they are nocturnal and hide during the day. Checks for the pests should therefore be carried out either very late in the evening or very early in the morning.

Tips: Although the damage caused by the beetles can be annoying and visually disturbing, the larvae pose the greatest danger. Because they feed on the roots, the cherry laurel can absorb less water and nutrients over time, even if they are in sufficient quantities in the substrate available.

Fight gently

Due to the possible damage to the root ball, control must be carried out as quickly and thoroughly as possible. As soon as adult beetles or their signs are found on the cherry laurel, you have to expect eggs and larvae in the ground.

Lined vine weevil (right), its larva (left)

The following guide shows how this is possible.

  • Collect bugs: The adult insects must be collected. Otherwise, they not only cause greater feeding damage, but can also lay more eggs. Again, the early morning hours or late evening are recommended. The measure should be repeated for several days in order to eliminate as many animals as possible.
  • Remove leaves: You should cut off the damaged foliage in order to achieve several advantages at the same time. On the one hand, the plant benefits visually. On the other hand, entry points for pathogens are removed.
  • remove soil: Since the eggs and larvae are in the soil, the substrate must also be removed. The excavation should be as far and as deep as possible. However, caution is advised so as not to damage the roots further.
  • Trim root: If the root ball is damaged, the damaged areas should be trimmed clean. This reduces the risk of rot and the roots become more receptive again.
  • Apply nematodes: Nematodes are useful not only to avoid nibbled leaves, but also to prevent them in the future. The nematodes penetrate the larvae and destroy them from the inside. If there are no more larvae of the vine weevil, the nematodes also die. They can be purchased in specialist shops or online and are to be placed directly in the soil with the irrigation water.
  • Administer nutrients: Since the pests weaken the plant and not only produce eaten leaves, fresh, nutrient-rich soil and fertilization make sense.

Tip: It is often recommended to dispose of the soil with organic waste. But it is better to kill the parasites with heat or to put the substrate in the residual waste. Otherwise, they will immediately spread again.

set traps

If you want to make it easier to collect the bugs or increase the success rate, you can set up traps. For this purpose, clay flower pots filled with wood shavings are placed with the opening facing down next to the respective plants.
The beetles use the pots as a place to sleep and can therefore be easily removed during the day.

Prevention of pests

If you want to reduce the risk of an infestation with pests that cause holes in your cherry laurel leaves, preventive measures are advisable. For this purpose, the garden should be designed as natural and animal-friendly as possible. Because this allows the natural predators of beetles and other pests to be attracted. These are birds, hedgehogs and other insects.

Suitable measures include:

  • Build an insect hotel
  • leave piles of leaves behind
  • Build natural stone wall with gaps
  • hang up nest boxes
  • Plant diversity and mixed cultures
  • Offer birdseed
  • Set up bird baths

A good way to make the garden natural and at the same time well-groomed is to create an "overgrown" corner. The grass is left uncut and a woodpile may be offered. A garden pond or pool for toads and frogs is also on. In addition, the use of pesticides should be avoided. Because the means for killing the insects also fight beneficial insects that ensure a balance.

diseases as a cause

Seemingly nibbled leaves or holes in the leaves of cherry laurel can also be the result of what is known as shotgun disease. However, the course is different here than in the case of an infestation with pests. The leaves initially show yellow to brown spot-like discolouration. These can overlap. Over time, the dried parts of the leaves often fall off or break off, leaving holes in the leaves. These can look like grazing marks.
However, it is a fungus that causes shotgun disease. In order to treat this specifically, several steps are required.

CoolKoon, Peach shot hole disease, crop from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Remove affected shoots: Leaves that are already infested and discolored should be removed with clean scissors. It is best to cut these off directly on the trunk.
  • Remove foliage: Leaves that have already fallen off must also be collected so that the spores do not spread further. The same rules apply to disposal as to the cut leaves and shoots.
  • Use fungicide: In order to completely destroy the germs, an appropriate remedy against harmful fungi should be used. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Tip: When disposing of the leaves and twigs, make sure that they are not placed in the organic waste or in the compost. Otherwise the spores will spread again and again.

frequently asked Questions

Which animals can cause holes in the leaves?

Insects, their larvae, but also domestic animals and other mammals can cause holes. Anyone who is unsure and repeatedly finds frayed leaves can carry out checks using a wildlife camera.

Is special post-infestation care required?

Experience has shown that adapted fertilization and watering makes sense to take care of the weakened plant. However, these measures should only be carried out to a small extent and at appropriate times so that there is no risk of chemical burns or waterlogging.

Why are gentle tools for control important?

Because on the one hand they protect beneficial insects and thus prevent further pests. Second, they are safer for the environment.

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Garden plants