Cherry Laurel hedge - advice please

AlxNic

Good morning
I need some advice on hedging. My next-door neighbour has built a raised floor extension, so my legal height fence is at about the neighbour waist height. In order to regain some privacy, I am considering some cherry laurel hedging. Chosen as it is evergreen, and grows quickly.

Is there anything you think I should know? Does it get uncontrollable?
Many thanks, Alex

steephill

Don't buy large plants, smaller plants establish better and catch up fast. Be aware that laurels which grow quickly tend to keep growing in all directions so will need regular maintenance. Think about how you will go about keeping it within bounds.

There is a long forum thread on laurel hedging which is worth searching out, lots of good advice on it and results others have achieved.

AlxNic

Thank you - I will search the forum

steephill

https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/656523/help-needed-please-with-laurel-hedge-issues/p1 is the thread I mentioned.

Lyn

Laurel is indeed a good barrier and will grow quickly but you are better off buying small ones as Steephill says.
look for bare rooted ones now, they’re much cheaper and will establish quickly.
they needn’t become unruly if you start to prune then right at the beginning.
I bought these,  (link below)  then nip the tops out on planting.
If you do decide to buy them you might like to come back on here and we can talk you through ground preparation and planting and maintenance tips.  

https://www.scotplantsdirect.co.uk/hedging/bare-root-hedge/laurel-hedging-prunus-plants/rotundifolia-common-laurel-40-60cm.html

AlxNic

Thank you both for the links and your advice.

I have hesitated about hedges but now with the extension the decision has been made as I cannot have a higher fence.