Portugese Laurel

I have a Portuguese Laurel. She is around 9ft. Planted last year but this year the top half of the Laurel isnt thriving as much as the bottom. I give her a real good watering once a week but thinking it may not be enough and that could be the cause? Any advice on getting a good even growth appreciated please.
Thanks,
Paul

 

Looks like its just finished flowering, has it grown any new leaves this year yet.

 

They like a good feed! Depending on your resources, cow manure, growmore or Vitax q4, although in the nursery we used 20-10-10; that really perked them up, an extra foot in height more than pays for it!

 

Thanks both. New leaves are all to bottom. Top leaves just look like they are struggling along Pete.

Will give it a good feed as suggested Infradig and see how she goes.

Thanks again.
Paul