Here is a picture of a few of that last surviving leaves.

How big are those leaves? They look like Prunus laurocerasus but I'm not sure if they are large enough. The shrub isn't remotely dead. There is new growth coming on those lower branches. But it may take a while to get back its old figure. It might be a good time to do some rejuvenation pruning as it looks as if it has been meatballed in the past. if it is P laurocerasus it takes very well to severe pruning.

Thank you for the reply. The leaves range from 4-6 inches. I have posted a picture.

When you say rejuvenation pruning is that cutting off the dead branches and leaving the limbs with new growth?

Thanks again.

extra cold this winter .. and the sun heating the blacktop during the day.. and extra cold at night .... probably made it go in and out of dormancy .. which caused the winter damage ...

no matter what it is... i will ask.. is it.. in a spot.. in the front of the house.. where you want a 2 or 3 year renovation job ...

if not.. get rid of it...

if you.. or more particularly.. momma.. doesnt care.. lol ... then give it a few more weeks.. and cut out all the dead stuff .. [and if you are momma.. dad probably hasnt even noticed yet.. lol]

and then decide you dont like it.. lol .. and then dig it out..

if this were in my back 3 acres.. i would enjoy watching how it rejuvenated itself.. out front... shovel prune... and then.. since the hole is already dug.. throw in something else.. something better ...

ken

Yes - it's Prunus laurocerasus. You can take it down to the ground and it will grow back. They make trees where they are happy and unpruned. For once I agree with Ken re removal. It's a rather boring choice for right by the entrance and will be a never ending pruning job. Here they are workhorse hedge material and I don't recollect ever seeing one grown as a specimen shrub, other than specific cultivars like Otto Luyken. And even that's a car park plant.

This post was edited by floral_uk on Mon, May 19, 14 at 17:20