Dying Bay Trees

[Angeldelight]

Hi, I’m at a loss at to why 3 of my bay trees are dying. Please see images, the rest of my front garden is in full bloom. I would welcome any comments.

 

[Chuck]

Closeup pictures of the trees would be helpful.

 

[Angeldelight]

Please see close up of the trees

 

[Chuck]

I don't see any insect damage. I see no evidence of a fungus problem. I do see leaves curling inward and droopy. I see a lack of shiny green color. I have to say that IMO the tree is not getting enough water.

 

[NigelJ]

All three of the trunks in the close up shots show damage to the bark. Bay trees even quite big ones have a smooth bark in my experience.
Two thoughts has somebody used a strimmer near them as the damage appears relatively low down. Secondly if not strimmer damage it could be a fungus, if the damaged bark comes off easily you may see or smell some fungal mycelia.

 

[Angeldelight]

I don't see any insect damage. I see no evidence of a fungus problem. I do see leaves curling inward and droopy. I see a lack of shiny green color. I have to say that IMO the tree is not getting enough water.

We’ve watered and fed. I’m just worried we could lose all 8 of them.

 

[Angeldelight]

All three of the trunks in the close up shots show damage to the bark. Bay trees even quite big ones have a smooth bark in my experience.
Two thoughts has somebody used a strimmer near them as the damage appears relatively low down. Secondly if not strimmer damage it could be a fungus, if the damaged bark comes off easily you may see or smell some fungal mycelia.

What does fungal mycelia look like?

 

[Chuck]

At any time this past winter did you have very cold weather? Cracking and splitting of the bark can also be caused by excessive watering followed by excessive dryness. Are any of the browning leaves falling off of the tree. If so, this is a good sign. If the leaves die and don't fall off a bad sign

 

[Angeldelight]

At any time this past winter did you have very cold weather? Cracking and splitting of the bark can also be caused by excessive watering followed by excessive dryness. Are any of the browning leaves falling off of the tree. If so, this is a good sign. If the leaves die and don't fall off a bad sign

Some of the leaves fall off and other’s don’t.

 

[NigelJ]

Does the damaged bark just come away when easily?
The mycelia may look like fine white webbing and the smell mushroomy, mildewy.