Saving a Dying Laurel Hedge Planted Near a Yew Tree

40-meter laurel hedge planted Oct 2010 in clay soil dying fast. Advice: yew tree stealing water, cut laurels in half, feed chicken dung, water 4 hrs/week. Will this work?

Expert "Coach Dave" Analysis

• Laurel roots are hardy; clay OK.
• Yew roots deeper than laurel—they CAN coexist.
• Overwatering is common killer. Water 2×/week, 20 min max.
• Water 5 AM–5 PM only (evening watering → fungus).
• Yellow lower leaves = overwater/poor drainage.
• Chicken dung/water/railings WON'T fix it.
• Simple fungicide likely needed.
• If fertilizing: slow-release granular general purpose.
• Trim dead branches to redirect energy.

Diagnose watering first. Fungus from overwatering is probable cause.