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I have had this Pittosporum in my garden for 7 years, and just of late, they have been looking frail, I have cut off all the dried dead areas and fertilised them well, Do you have any other ideas, please
Hello @williamhenry
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your Pittosporum.
You’ve already done the right thing by pruning away the dead growth and fertilising, which will help encourage recovery. One of the most common issues is watering and if the weather has been dry, they may need deep soaking at the roots rather than light, frequent watering. A good soak once a week can make a big difference, while poor drainage could lead to root rot, so it’s worth checking the soil condition.
Since they’ve been in place for seven years, the soil may be depleted of nutrients. Adding compost or a seaweed-based soil conditioner can boost nutrients, and if your soil is heavy clay, a bit of gypsum can improve drainage. Pests could also be a culprit, so inspect the stems and leaves for scale, psyllids, or mealybugs. If you notice sticky residue or small bumps, applying horticultural oil can help manage them. Fungal issues can also cause browning, so if you suspect that, a copper-based fungicide might be worth trying.
Extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or strong winds can also stress the plants. Applying mulch around the base will help retain moisture and protect the roots. If there are large trees or other plants nearby, they might be competing for nutrients and water, so giving your Pittosporum a boost with liquid fertiliser every few weeks can support their recovery.
They are usually quite resilient, and with regular deep watering, improved soil health, and pest management, you should see fresh growth soon. Keep an eye on the new shoots if they look healthy, your hedge is well on its way to recovery.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
