New Laurel hedge
in Plants
Hi All, plant murderer here. Having recently murdered a newly planted conifer hedge, I've replaced with Laurel (common variety) after being reliably informed that it's very hard to kill. However, after reading posts on here (something which I wish I'd done before breaking my back yesterday planting them), I realise that I've planted them too close together (40cms apart). My main question is.... is there any chance that they will be ok at that distance as I REALLY don't want to have to dig them up and re-plant them?
Additionally, I know that trimming them encourages growth, but can I trim them in November or would I be best leaving them alone for now and waiting until spring?
Additionally, I know that trimming them encourages growth, but can I trim them in November or would I be best leaving them alone for now and waiting until spring?
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They're between 2 and 3 feet tall.
The reason for cutting back larger specimens [ over 4 foot or so] is to help them establish more readily [a lot of top growth for the root system to deal with] but also to encourage them to thicken out because they aren't able to do that easily, especially if they're potted.
I'd say they're too close together, especially if they're in a good, well prepped border.
The main 'trunks' on laurel become very thick very quickly in a good site, and they want to become large in every direction.
They may just grow less well in the circumstances though, as there will be a lot of competition. They aren't hedging plants that suit being kept narrow and tight like some others.
An easier alternative might be to just move every 2nd one forward a bit. They'll get a bit more room to establish, and you'll get a good spread on each plant. They actually don't look too bad as they are though.
here are two photos of ours, 1st one in 2013 when we planted them, 2nd one in 2018, they were already 5’ in depth. They are ever wider now. I could take a phot tomorrow showing how wide.
You can keep cutting them but they will grow trunks and you will need to actually use a saw to keep them from pushing out the fence. These are cut 2 - 3 times a year.
These shrubs grow huge.