By Carolinet
Tyne And Wear,
United Kingdom 
I have a bay tree in a pot outside that has grown successfully for many years but took a hit this winter and most of the leaves have lots of small brown spots and probably 30-40% look dreadful as do the branches. I have picked the worst leaves off but it still looks ill, is there anything else I can do and would it help to cut it back very harshly to start afresh?
28 Apr, 2011
First, check the poor thing's not rootbound if you haven't repotted for 2 years or more - if it is, get a bigger pot and fresh compost for it. Cut back hard to wherever you feel is appropriate, water well and feed every couple of weeks with something like Miracle Gro general purpose - but not past the end of June.
1 May, 2011