A hedge is an excellent property enclosure that blends in with the garden design better than a high fence or wall. Many garden owners want a cherry laurel hedge as a property boundary, as the wood is evergreen and very undemanding and quickly reaches the desired height. In this article you will find out what you need to consider when planting the row of shrubs and how the hedge is cared for.

The variety choice

You can get many different types of cherry laurel in the trade, so that a suitable variety can be found for almost every garden size. Since the cherry laurel is very fast-growing, species such as Etna and Caucasica, which reach a height of up to five meters, are more suitable for large properties.

If you would like to enclose a terraced garden, which is usually very narrow, slow and slender-growing types such as Novita or Otto Luyken are better suited. For example, you can limit a small garden with Genolia, which grows narrowly upright, reaches heights of up to four meters but is only about one meter wide.

Design and installation of the hedge

Take some time to plan the hedge planting, because there are a few points to consider:

Minimum distance to the neighboring border and to buildings

Since the cherry laurel is very fast-growing, it can take on unimagined proportions over the years. As a rule of thumb: The wood is about as wide as it is high. Also plan about fifty centimeters away from buildings and fences so that you can reach all parts of the plant when cutting back.

Planting distance of the individual laurel cherries

In order for the hedge to grow dense in a short time, the bushes must not be placed too far apart. Planted too close together, on the other hand, will crowd the trees after a few years. Depending on the height of the purchased laurel cherries, you have to calculate about three bushes per meter.

Soil conditions and location may require further preparation

The laurel cherry needs permeable and nutrient-rich soil for good growth. Compacted topsoil must be loosened with compost and coarse sand before planting. Take this opportunity to mix in long-term fertilizers such as horn shavings (€32.93) so that the shrubs are well supplied with all the nutrients in the first few months.

The planting

You need the following tools for this work:

  • a pair of sharp scissors
  • plant spade
  • measured slats as spacers
  • planting line

The best time for planting bare-root shrubs is early autumn, as the laurel cherry puts all its energy into developing the root system at the end of the growing season. Alternatively, you can plant the hedge in spring. Container goods can be brought into the ground all year round.

How to plant the hedge

  • To determine the course of the hedge, first stretch a planting line
  • Dig planting holes big enough for the roots to find enough space in them and not have to be stuffed into them.
  • The holes should be deep enough so that the top of the bale is level with the ground.
  • Shorten damaged roots, but keep as many roots as possible.
  • Insert shrubs, it is helpful if a second person holds the cherry laurel.
  • Firmly press down the soil around the laurel cherry so that all cavities are closed and the roots have good contact with the ground.

Tie the bay cherries after setting

Secure the bushes with stakes, to which the bushes are carefully tied. This prevents the trees from growing at an angle and the fine roots from being torn off by the wind.

Water and mulch

After setting, you should flood the laurel cherry. This closes the last cavities and the cherry laurel can immediately absorb moisture. Cover the ground around each shrub with a two to four inch layer of bark mulch. This protects the soil from drying out and creates a very good soil climate.

Watering and fertilizing the cherry laurel hedge

In order to grow well, the cherry laurel hedge needs sufficient moisture. Therefore, always water the evergreen privacy screen during longer dry periods when the top centimeters feel dry.

Fertilize the laurel cherry for the first time in the first spring after setting the hedge. An optimal supply of all nutrients and trace elements ensures that the cherry laurel that has now grown in thrives well and remains healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.

Well suited for fertilization are:

  • mature compost
  • horn shavings or horn meal
  • Organic-mineral complete fertilizer, for example special fertilizer for ornamental trees

pruning

The first pruning of the cherry laurel hedge is done in the spring after planting, ideally immediately after flowering. The hedge cut at this time grows short-stemmed and very dense. If the hedge is very vigorous, a second pruning in late summer will keep the growth of the laurel cherry in check. Alternatively, you can shorten the row of evergreen shrubs once a year in June or July.

tips and tricks

Be sure to protect the fine hair roots of bare-root laurel cherries from drying out. It has proven useful to wrap the root balls in a damp jute sack (€10.99) or at least to cover the roots with a little damp fleece or jute.

Category:

Trees