Are my bay trees dying?

Lynfo

I have 2 bay trees, in pots, which are outside all year round. They got hit pretty bad by the frost last winter and aren't looking too good now.

The leaves on both have all gone completely brown, but there is a small bit of fresh growth on one. Also, the bark is splitting on both.

Is there anything I can do to save them?

Hells Belle

Hi Lynfo,
I have a bay outside in a pot and its just finished flowering, even with the bad weather it seems to have survived - I did have it in a very sheltered spot though. Bay are notorious for the unreliability of their hardyness (or so the RHS say!) Really though if the bark is splitting and looks like dry pith its probably dead, sorry!. You could however prune as hard as you can - you haven't a whole lot to lose really, then maybe repot, feed & mulch and hope of the best.

Here's an article i found on the internet:
http://www.gardenseeker.com/pruning/pruning_bay_leaf_trees.htm

Lynfo

Thanks for the reply Hellsbells. I'm going to try the repotting route, I really want to save these guys.

I did hear of a sealant that might work for the split bark so I'll look into that.