One of the contributions of bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis ) to gardens is its usefulness as an evergreen plant hedging and privacy screen . In its perennial range across U.S.
One of the donation of bay laurel ( Laurus nobilis ) to garden is its usefulness as an evergreen hedgerow and privateness blind . In its perennial range across U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zones 8 through 10 , a laurel hedge typically take only a few snips here and there once a twelvemonth to keep it shapely and goodish .
Timing Is Everything
A primal consideration of how to shape is when to shape . Shaping a Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel hedge by cut it during the heat of summer or during periods of drought can stress the plants that make up the hedging . Prune a laurel hedging once a twelvemonth in later wintertime to early spring , when plants are not actively growing . During the dormant season , laurel can handle a hard pruning if necessary . The novel outgrowth may be slow to show , however , because the dormant buds require fond weather to become active .
Shaping Technique
The shape of a laurel hedge influence how full it look . A top that is wider than the base shades the lower branch . Where sunshine can not reach the bottom of the hedge , the farewell may drop , result in thin growth near the ground . Prune a laurel hedge so it is tapered , with the top several inches narrower than the base . This way , sun can make even the low branches and the hedge stays full .
Old and Overgrown
If it ’s been a while since you pruned your Stan Laurel hedge , it may be overgrown and in need of shaping . Although it grows slow , a laurel wreath shrub can pass a height of 30 foot . To fetch a hedging back in bounds or to houseclean up its appearing , a three - year appendage called renewal pruning removes the quondam growth and encourages each plant to produce new bow from the ascendant . Each class in later winter to other fountain , remove one - third of each shrub ’s stem to the primer coat , beginning with the Old and thickest . After the new growing fills in , start pruning the hedging once a year to keep it goodish .
Pruning Tools
Although electric , gas or battery - operated hedge trimmer joist may be needed to shape a large , overgrown hedge , they may cause laurel ’s leave to look a footling ragged . If you use a power tool on a Stan Laurel hedge when you rationalise in late winter , you may need to use a hand tool , such as a secateur or manual hedge trimmer joist , for a 2d shaping in later spring or former summertime . For an older laurel hedge with subdivision larger than 1 inch in diameter , a bridge player visit may be easier to habituate than long - handled lopping shear . Hand - held pruning shear or long - cover hedge shears are suited tools for smaller arm and twigs . Disinfect pruning tools before making any cold shoulder by soaking them for five minutes in a solution of 1 part household pine - oil cleanser and 3 part pee . gargle the tools with pee before using them .
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