• Root rot in compact english laurels can cause its glossy, green foliage to turn yellow.laurel leaf image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
  
  Compact or dwarf english laurels are a species of the laurel shrub. It is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark broadleaf foliage. It is commonly used as a hedge plant or as foundation plant in landscape design. It is insect-resistant but can be susceptible to a number of bacterial and fungal diseases.
  
  

Root Rot

• Root rot is a common condition that can affect any shrub. Root rot can occur when a compact english laurel is transplanted into wet, warm soil. If there is not proper drainage in the soil, then the excess water deprives the roots of the plant of oxygen. This allows fungi to take over and cause the roots to rot. The compact english laurel may show signs of decline over the course of a year, as the fungus moves from the fine roots of the shrub up into the larger roots. As the disease progresses through the stems and branches, the leaves may turn yellow and curl. Gradually, the leaves will wilt. Once root rot has occurred, it is tough to get rid of it. The best cure is prevention with an annual application of fungicide to protect the root system.
  
  

Shot Hole

• Shot hole is a fungal disease that affects the compact english laurel. It is also called coryneum blight. As with most fungal diseases, this disease thrives in wet, humid conditions. Shot hole can be severe following warm, wet winters. It is usually characterized by the formation of distinct reddish to purplish-brown spots on the buds, twigs, and leaves. Spores of fungus can spread by splashing rain water. If you see signs of shot hole, remove the affected leaves and branches immediately to prevent spreading. Treating the shrub with a fungicide will help prevent this disease.
  
  

Botryosphaeria Fungus

• Compact english laurels can be infected with another fungus called botryosphaeria. This fungus can cause limb wilting and dieback in an otherwise healthy plant. As the disease progresses, cankers or darkened lesions may appear on the limbs of the shrub, and the bark may eventually peel off the limbs. The spores of this fungus are spread by circulating air or splashing rain.
  
  

Pseudomonas Syringae Bacterial Infection

• The pseudomonas syringae bacteria can infect the compact english laurel through pruning cuts. It causes brown leaf spots that can progress to deep cankers. Avoid pruning compact english laurels in wet weather.