[Diana in Wisconsin]

Hate to tell ya this, Darlin’, but your Bay Laurel Tree may have Sudden Oak Death:

“In non-oak species, symptoms vary from the appearance of dead spots on leaves, in the case of California bay laurel and madrone...”

http://www.mattole.org/html/publications_article_45.html

I would consult a local arborist, ASAP. They’ll know if it’s serious or not. Hopefully it’s just an “environmental factor” which is the term I use up here when I can’t figure out what is bothering a local tree or shrub. ;)

[tubebender]

That was pretty strange to see a link to my back yard on the SOD here in Humboldt County. We call the Bay tree Pepperwood here in Calif and in Ore they call it Myrtlewood. Beautiful dense wood for making bowls on a lathe.