Mountain Laurel Is Losing Some Leaves And Buds Turned Dry And Brown After Opening

Question From: East Lyme, Connecticut, United States
Q: This spring the buds on my mt laurel were vibrant red -- stunning. When they began opening many turned dry and brown. Does not appear healthy now. Some leaf loss.

A: Take some cutting of the damage to your local independent garden center or nursery that sell lots of woodies ( trees and shrubs) for an accurate ID and method of control. Photos also help. Check the bark as well as the leaves and buds. Sounds like a fungal disease to me but that's just a guess. Treating with guesses can be fatal. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy