Here is an example of scale insect activity on an Otto Luyken Laurel. Scale can accumulate fast. Check your Otto’s regularly. Keep them pruned, (
DO NOT HEDGE!), and don’t allow your landscape service to pile the mulch too deep under the plant. Best practice to eliminate scale infestations is to apply horticultural oil sprays to the stalks of the plant. The oil suffocates the scale. Be careful using oil on your plants. Follow the directions closely, and do not use it during hot weather. If oil is allowed to cover the foliage of the shrub, the plant will possibly suffocate along with the scale insects. Several applications may be necessary to totally eliminate the problem. Systemic insecticides applied to the soil will also help control scale activity.
Thanks for posting this information I was looking for online help for days looking for this information until I found your site. I have been plagued by this problem on my laurels and many have died. I have cut all limbs that show the white scale and recently started using an oil product from a local nursery they recommended. I am hoping the plants grow back and will keep a better eye before it gets bad again.