How quickly does a Cherry Laurel hedge grow?
Laurel hedges vary in growth, and depending on the species, they have the ability to grow between 15-60cm per year. Pruning Laurel to Encourage Growth Sharp pruners or hedge trimmers will make this a lot easier and quicker to do. To prune laurel to encourage growth, we’d recommend trimming the branches and cutting them back several times a year (depending on how fast it grows) by up to a quarter.We only prune our laurel hedge once a year and it keeps it tidy and dense. On a note of caution, watch out for nesting birds from May until July, as it is illegal to disturb them. Don’t prune your hedge if it is very hot and dry at the time.The best time of year to plant a laurel hedge is during the late autumn or early winter months, typically from November to early March when the laurel plants are dormant. Planting during this period allows the laurels to establish their root systems before the onset of spring growth.Regular pruning is essential for thickening a laurel hedge. Prune the hedge annually or as needed to remove any leggy or sparse growth. Concentrate on selectively pruning the tips of branches to encourage lateral branching and stimulate new growth. This helps create a denser and fuller hedge.Laurel hedges can technically be trimmed at any time; the main advice we can offer is to try and avoid trimming Laurel in the coldest months of the year as the cut edges can be susceptible to frost damage.
Does Cherry Laurel make a good hedge?
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’) is one of the most versatile and popular hedging species. Cherry Laurel is often referred to as Common Laurel or Prunus hedging and boasts large, glossy green foliage all-year-round. Both Cherry Laurel and Portugal Laurel are fast-growing hedging plants and will make fantastic hedges reasonably quickly. Apart from some types of conifers, Cherry Laurel is one of the fastest-growing evergreen plants to use as hedging and has a growth rate of approximately 60cm (2ft) per year.Cherry laurel has a large, fibrous root system that can damage nearby structures. Plant at least a couple of meters from buildings and structures, especially in clay soil, to avoid potential damage.Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is generally considered a tough evergreen but its leaves can be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot fungi and bacterial shothole. Affected plants or hedges look unsightly.The Portuguese laurel’s leaves are darker, giving it a more formal and refined look. This makes it an excellent choice for structured, manicured gardens or formal hedge arrangements. In contrast, the cherry laurel’s larger, glossy green leaves lend it a vibrant, lush appearance.
Do cherry laurels like sun or shade?
It grows in full sun to deep shade. Cherry laurel is accepting of most soil types and textures but grows best in rich soil high in organic matter. This plant blooms in the spring with heavily fragrant flowers that bloom even in heavy shade. Once established, cherry laurel is a relatively low-maintenance plant. While it is establishing, water regularly through dry spells, particularly in summer. Avoid overwatering, as cherry laurel does not tolerate waterlogged soil.The leaves of the cherry laurel do not fall off in winter, as is the case with deciduous trees, but nevertheless, brown and withered leaves tend to appear on the shrub. Most often, these are diseased parts of the plant or those damaged by frost or pruning.Avoiding brown and yellow leaves on cherry laurel. For some of these causes, it is enough to simply cut off the yellow leaves and give the cherry laurel time to recover.It’s important to wear gloves and protective clothing when pruning cherry laurel, as the leaves and branches contain toxic compounds that can cause skin irritation or even respiratory issues.Water your Cherry Laurel frequently to keep a consistent moist soil, but be careful not to have a constantly saturated soil.
What is the disadvantage of cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel leaves, stems and seeds are toxic for humans and pets to ingest. In forests, cherry laurel competes with native plants by forming a dense cover that shades tree seedlings and shrubs. Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) contains compounds that produce cyanide. Signs of poisoning in rabbits include lethargy, breathing difficulties and collapse.Cherry Laurel is especially famous for its berries, which, when mature, might tempt the eye with their glossy black appearance. However, they contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and digested. This makes them particularly dangerous, not only to humans but also to pets and wildlife.The glycosides present in Laurel means it releases cyanide if its leaves are crushed, broken, or cut, but this shouldn’t be an issue for humans in small doses and outdoor areas. The cyanide toxins can be absorbed through the skin via physical contact, but are also airborne and can be inhaled.
Is cherry laurel high maintenance?
Low maintenance and easy to grow Cherry Laurel is incredibly hardy and adaptable. It thrives in a variety of soil types, tolerates drought once established, and can handle both full sun and partial shade. It also requires minimal trimming—just one or two prunings per year—to keep it looking neat and tidy. The leaves of the cherry laurel do not fall off in winter, as is the case with deciduous trees, but nevertheless, brown and withered leaves tend to appear on the shrub. Most often, these are diseased parts of the plant or those damaged by frost or pruning. Check the plant regularly and remove these spots generously.Leaf spot and shot hole are two related fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause similar symptoms on Laurel hedges, and particularly Cherry Laurel. Brown or black lesions surrounded by a yellow halo are a clear sign of leaf spot, while shot hole disease leaves small holes in the leaves.
What is the lifespan of a cherry laurel?
Lifespan. Carolina Cherry Laurel can live 25 years or more when provided with suitable growing conditions and regular maintenance. Laurel oaks have a life span of 50 to 70 years. Tree trunks and large branches often hollow from decay and wood rot. The smallest trunk injury or improper pruning cut can result in columns of decay inside the trunk which are 10, 20 or more feet long.
Is cherry laurel toxic to dogs?
All parts of the cherry laurel shrub are toxic to pets, but the leaves and seeds contain the highest concentration of harmful substances. Signs and symptoms of cherry laurel poisoning: salivation. Yes. For landscape areas where cherry laurel was planted, prevent it from producing berries. Remove unwanted cherry laurel plants before they become a bigger problem.You are here: Home » Are Laurel Hedges Poisonous? With the exception of Bay Laurel, the short answer is yes. All other Laurel hedging varieties (including berries) are poisonous to both humans and animals. Laurel hedge plants produce hydrocyanic acid which can cause serious complications if ingested.In fact, all parts of the plant of cherry laurel are poisonous. However, especially beware of eating the leaves and seeds.