How High Can A Laurel Hedge Grow?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Prunus laurocerasus hedges can reach a height of

up to 5 metres at full

maturity, so are useful to grow along a boundary as a dividing element.

How long does it take for a laurel hedge to grow?

How fast do laurel hedges grow? Given the right conditions, a laurel hedge can grow

up to two feet a year

. This can depend on the soil type, whether it’s in sunlight or shade and how sheltered from the wind it is. With plenty of water, your laurel hedge should thrive and reward you all year long.

What is the tallest Laurel?

Ultimate height:

Prunus lusitanica

grows to approximately 7m (20ft) tall as a hedge but in good conditions and if it is grown as a single stem tree, it has been known to grow to over 10m (30ft). Prunus lusitanica is very hardy and will survive temperatures of -25oC.

How Tall Can English laurels grow?

Cherry Laurel or English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Mature Height/Spread: This evergreen, broadleaf shrub can grow to

20 feet

but is generally kept smaller in the home landscape. The spread is 6 to 10 feet. The leathery, glossy, dark green leaves are 3 to 7 inches long and 11⁄2 to 2 inches wide.

How do you keep a laurel hedge low?

Start by reducing the height using

a taught string line

to keep it level, the height can be reduced drastically by several metres if necessary (even taking the plants back to stumps) although the work can be split over a couple of seasons if you are cutting the height back by more than one third.

What months do laurels grow?

Laurel planted in the late autumn, winter or early spring will have had a chance to develop a root system before the soil dries out in the spring (as long as they were planted correctly) but laurel planted in late spring, summer or early autumn need to be watered regularly for the first growing season (

March to October

What is the quickest growing hedge?


Cupressocyparis leylandii

Leylandii is a fast-growing hedge plant that has the quickest growth rate of approximately 75-90cm per year.

Is Laurel poisonous to dogs?


Almost all species of Laurel hedge are poisonous to dogs

, with the exception of Bay Laurel. If you share your home with a dog, it is recommended that you either choose Bay or an alternative species to prevent your pet from coming to any harm by ingesting any fallen leaves, berries etc.

What’s the fastest growing laurel?

One of the most popular choices for privacy hedging,

the cherry laurel

is extremely fast growing. Also known as common laurel, this evergreen species thrives in shadier conditions as well as in direct sunlight.

Which laurel hedge is best?

Laurel hedge planting guide


Portugal Laurel

is the hardiest, and it also is the laurel hedge that clips the best. Common Laurel is the fastest growing laurel hedge and its large leaves are most effective at providing a sound and light barrier. It is the ideal evergreen hedge to reduce traffic pollution.

How big do skip laurels grow?

Skip laurels grow to be

10-18 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide

, with a moderate growth rate of roughly 24 inches per year. Their dense foliage is glossy green year-round, and fragrant white blossoms bloom in spring. In fall and winter, Skip laurel trees produce red berries that attract songbirds.

How tall is a 15 gallon cherry laurel?

Height:

5-6 ft.

Width: 2 ft.

How much sun do English laurels need?

In USDA Zone 8 English laurel plants will perform and look their best when provided some shade or filtered sun during the hot, mid-afternoon hours. Here in USDA Zone 8a of Georgia we’ve had success growing them in sites that range from morning sun with

afternoon filtered sun to almost full shade

.

How do I make my laurel bushier?

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. This makes the bush come back bushier and thicker than before more rapidly.

What kills laurel bushes?


Use products containing glyphosate

for killing laurel hedges. Glyphosate is most effective when used in August and September. Spray herbicide on all leaves of the hedge. This is referred to as foliar treatment and may be used on hedges that are up to 4.5 m (15 feet) tall.

What is the best fertilizer for laurel?

Too much fertilizer can cause issues in laurels, such as leaf burn and root burn, so avoid feeding them too often and always apply fertilizer to moist soil to protect the roots. Logee’s Plants for Home & Garden recommends

15-15-15 fertilizer

as the best feed for laurels.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.