Laurel Hedge Planting Site

seardley18

Hi there, last year in haste (and lack of knowledge) I planted some laurel hedging.  Unfortunately the drains run underneath where I've planted them.
 I'm now worried after reading that the roots could cause damage to the drains. 
I would be keeping the laurel at 6-7 ft and not let it get too wide.
Basically should I remove them? I need things spelling out to me.
What should I replace them with? ( its north facing and in the shade) would like quick growing if possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
Thank You 

pansyface

Do the drains run parallel to them or at right angles to them?

seardley18

Hi 
The laurel are at right angles and I would say I've planted right up (if slightly over) to the drains. 
Thanks 

pansyface

Well, if you removed the plants on either side of the drain run, leaving about a six foot gap directly over it,  the roots of the remaining plants wouldn’t be too much of a problem, at least for the first ten years or so. You could then bend the side branches of the remaining plants over, train them on a frame, in order to fill in the gap.