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Laurel Plants

ryokaryoka Posts: 10
in Plants
Hi all, noob here! Noob to gardening also.

i purchased 18 x 3ft laurel plants in bid of raising a hedge for some privacy. I’ve had them in the ground for about 2 weeks now. I’ve been watering as required, they are sitting within compost and the trench is wide and as deep as possible. 

Ive noticed some browning on one of the leaves, just seeking advice please and any suggestions moving forward to keep them health and growing?
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  • ryokaryoka Posts: 10

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,699
    edited July 2019
    They look fine to me. Keep up with the watering. Early mornings or late evenings to get the best from watering. Water generously every 3-4 days in the summer. The odd brown leaf should not be an issue, even evergreen leaves can drop every now and then.

    I recommend you prune them all down by at least a half of their current height. Will help your shrubs bush out more so the base fills out and also sends more branches later in the year.
  • ryokaryoka Posts: 10
    Thanks for the reply - I appreciate it. I’ve just watered them now. Do you advise putting bark down at all? I’ve currently just left it as compost. My concerns are on the pictures below.
    also, I’m having issues with a local cat using it as a toilet - can this cause any problems?
    sorry for all the questions. I’m a first time home owner, away from my parents, and trying to learn! Thank you.
    PS: I have already cut off approx 8” from the topa
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,699
    The leaves don't look too bad. Most likely leaf scorch. Avoid watering when the sun is out. Always water from below at the root area. That way, you minimise getting the leaves scorched. Laying bark chip over the top will help your shrubs keep cool around the root area and also hold in moisture for longer. I recommend it for areas where you are unlikely to disturb soil long-term. I think a good idea for your shrubs.
  • ryokaryoka Posts: 10
    I feel like such a newb! I hope I haven’t damaged them as I have watered top to bottom 😩😩
    I’ll pick up chipping tomorrow and lay it down. Just hope this doesn’t develop into a costly mistake !
    i can’t thank you enough
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,683
    You might find this thread informative https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/656523/help-needed-please-with-laurel-hedge-issues/p1 

    It might seem counterintuitive but the advice to cut them down by at least half is good advice.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,331
    Ah those Portuguese laurels they put an appearance weekly...don't they? 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • ryokaryoka Posts: 10
    Thank you, again. Great advice and I will be digesting that topic! I have purchased the below bark, what are your thoughts?
    also how much would you advise to trim? They were brought to me at 3ft, maybe a little over - I took 8” off already.
    thanks 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,699
    I would prune them back to 2 feet from the ground. If you cut them further back, they will be fine too. At this time of year, they will grow back faster. The bark chip all looks good too. Just keep up with the watering in the evenings or early mornings at this time of year. Try to aim for every 3-4 days, generous watering, they should be fine.
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,297
    Re your problem with the local cat. I have found that they are not too keen on spiky twigs such as holly or hawthorn so if you can get hold of some clippings from plants such as these, you can lay them on the bare patches of earth and the cat problem should disappear.
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