Mountain Laurel Leaves Brown And Drop

Question From: ARKANSAS
Q: My "Sarah" mt laurel planted this spring has started turning brown. It's leaves droop,turn brown and drop off. This seems to start at bottom set of leaves and on one stem at a time. I live in zone 7. Can you help me? I haven't found any holes or insects upon examination. I did see a small amount of webbing but no insect.

A:

Heat and drought will devastate newly planted shrubs. They need to be watered so the rootball stays moist but not sodden. Sounds like yours is dying of thirst. Best Nancy