Bay tree

[WildCyanDeer]

Hello,
My dad has recently gone into a dementia home and I have brought his bay tree to my house. Unfortunately, due to his condition, the tree has lots of bare branches - probably half the tree has green leaves and half is bare. Has anyone got any suggestions on how to rescue it? Thank you

Hefty topdressing and regular watering is my default. Is it in a relatively sheltered spot in the garden?

Thank you. No, it’s not at the moment. It’s so heavy it’s been a struggle to move but I will try that tomorrow. I’m hopeless at gardening but I’d love to be able to save this plant.

Oh, and I’d leave any pruning until spring.

It will be easier to look after in the ground if your winters aren't too cold.

Thanks for your replies. It’s currently in a large pot. Is that ok? Sorry, I genuinely am hopeless with gardening.

Generally plants are easier in the ground because they’re less likely to need regular watering

It's good that its in a pot because the weather is hot and it probably would struggle to survive if you had dug it up and moved it.
If the pot isn't too heavy you could give it a quarter turn every day, so that it gets the sun all round. Place it somewhere it can't get blown over by the wind, it will also like full sun near a brick wall if that's possible.
If there's a spot you would like to plant it in then be aware they grow into full size trees very quickly, so don't plant it next to your house.
If you could post a photo it will be easier to give advice - it might need pruning.