Prune or hedge these native Mediterranean trees as needed. They can grow 12–24′′ tall each year and up to 15′ wide when planted outdoors. Achieve the best flavor by giving Bay Laurel full sun for at least a portion of the year. Bring your Bay Laurel houseplant outdoors occasionally for a summer trip to the patio.
How fast does bay laurel grow?
Because bay laurel is a very slow grower (a few inches per year) and accepts pruning so gladly, this plant is very commonly grown in containers, kept on a patio or deck in the summer, moved indoors for the winter. Only in zones 8 to 10 is it a viable outdoor landscape plant.
Are bay laurel roots invasive?
Yes, bay laurel trees have extensive root systems that can be invasive . If you are planting a bay laurel in the ground, be sure you plant it a reasonable distance from your home or any other structures. Do not plant bay laurel trees near a swimming pool or sewer lines, or on top of a septic tank.
How quickly do bay trees grow?
It has to be pruned drastically several times a year to keep it about 10 feet tall now. Growth rate is around 1 – 2 feet per annum .
Where is the best place to plant a bay tree?
Bay hails from the Mediterranean, so does best in full sun to partial shade , ideally in a sheltered position, as it’s not completely hardy when young. In exposed gardens, bay can cope with temperatures down to about -5oC but can suffer leaf damage.
Is Bay Laurel poisonous to dogs?
Note: Although bay laurel leaves are safe when used in small quantities, they may be toxic to horses, dogs, and cats . Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.
Do bay laurel trees lose their leaves?
In fact, many growers have no problems with their bay trees for years, then suddenly they discover their bay tree leaves falling off ! ... Bay laurel is, by its nature, an evergreen, so dropping bay leaves may seem like a big deal when it occurs, especially if those leaves turn yellow or brown before they drop.
How close can you plant laurel to a house?
If you do not have much space, then you can plant as close as 18 inches from a wall or fence but it may be necessary for you to trim off branches on the fence side as it could push into and damage the fence as it is establishing.
Do bay laurel trees have deep roots?
Laurels are evergreen broadleaf shrubs or small trees. They are extremely hardy and adaptable to a wide variety of soils. Laurels grow quickly and are often used as borders or hedges. ... Removing the hedge is tricky because the plants grow deep taproots and have wide, thick root systems.
Do squirrels eat laurel berries?
Grey squirrels eat a wide range of plants and plant parts , including flower buds, like these from Corylus avellana (hazel). Grey squirrels eat a wide range of plants and plant parts, including flower buds, like these from Corylus avellana (hazel).
How do I make my bay tree bushy?
Prune bay trees shaped into standard lollipops, spirals or cones in the summer. Cut new growth back to a bud to keep the plant’s foliage in the desired shape and encourage bushy, dense growth. In early spring, you can also prune out any shoots or leaves that have suffered damage in cold weather.
Do bay trees have deep roots?
Bay trees have relatively shallow roots so when planning to move it go for a wide rootball rather than a deep rootball. That way you will do least damage to the parts of the roots which matter. Water well not only to provide moisture but to allow the soil to settle and come into contact with the root ball.
Can bay trees stay outside in winter?
Bay trees like the sun, so make sure you have a sunny window that you can place it next to for the winter. Bays do best when they can stay outside as much as possible , so keep it outdoors until temperatures drop. ... Caring for a bay tree in winter means making sure it is warm enough, out of the wind, and relatively dry.
Do bay trees need a lot of water?
Watering and Fertilizing
Bay trees don’t need a lot of water when planted in the ground, but pots dry out more quickly. Water regularly year-round to keep the soil damp.
Is Epsom salts good for bay trees?
Sprinkle a table spoon of Epsom Salt around your trees and shrubs once a month to help them achieve healthier and more foliage that is greener and more resilient to environmental factors.
Can you plant a bay tree near a house?
Certainly if it is anywhere near drains it should be removed. Sadly. Yes, welsh onion, but most people aren’t daft enough to let it grow large if it’s next to the house. Bays can easily be kept under control with a bit of judicial clipping.
