Bay Laurel New Shoots Turning Black: Soil, Water, Root Check

Black new shoots on repotted bay suggest soil mix issue, overwatering, or root disturbance.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check roots: Bay likes slight root-binding. If pot-bound, score roots, move up one size.
2. Soil: Add bone meal + lime to mix.
3. Water: Weekly only. No saucer water.
4. Feed: Fish/seaweed monthly (Home Depot/Lowe's).

Prevention

• County extension for soil test.
• Gardens Alive (gardensalive.com) for organic diagnostics.
• No winter fertilizer.
• Don't over-pot.

Black tips often = water stress (too much or too little) or fertilizer burn in new mix.