To encourage laurel growth, trim the hedge in July or August. But bare in mind that this hedge has large, tough leaves and is best trimmed using secateurs. Pruning of Laurel hedges can be performed at any time up until the end of summer. However, it’s best done in spring.
When should you not cut laurels?
Laurel hedges may be trimmed at any time during the season but its best to avoid the coldest months of the year as the cut edges may be susceptible to frost damage. Many text books advise trimming Laurel hedging plants with secateurs to avoid cut edges to the large leaves, it really isn’t necessary.
How far can you cut back a laurel hedge?
Laurel can be trimmed or pruned to the height you require and, if it grows too big, it can be cut back as hard as you like – right back to the stump if necessary – and it will re-grow quickly into a new hedge.
How do you prune an overgrown laurel hedge?
Start by reducing the height using a taught string line to keep it level, the height can be reduced drastically by several metres if necessary (even taking the plants back to stumps) although the work can be split over a couple of seasons if you are cutting the height back by more than one third.
What is the best month to cut a laurel hedge? – Related Questions
When should you not cut hedges?
We recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting.
How many times a year should you cut a laurel hedge?
A laurel hedge only needs trimming once a year. The best time to prune is late spring or early summer.
How do you cut a thick overgrown hedge?
Steps:
- Use loppers to remove one-third of the older stems, so sunlight can penetrate the hedge’s interior.
- Find long stems that grow out of hedge, and snip them close to the ground.
- Where one stem branches into two, cut just above the Y-shaped split.
- Continue cutting older stems, but leave new growth.
Can you cut a hedge back too far?
Trimming hedges can be a tranquil and relaxing task. One that we enjoy in warmer weather and that keeps out hedges healthy and strong. However, it is possible for you to trim your hedge too much, and when this happens you run the risk of killing your hedge or causing permanent damage.
Can you cut a laurel hedge with a hedge cutter?
You can trim your laurel with shears, secateurs or a hedge trimmer. Many books will tell you to use secateurs because laurels have large leaves and the cut edges left by a hedge trimmer will leave them looking unkempt.
Can you cut back overgrown hedges?
Overgrown hedges can handle a heavy trim, but take care not to sever any of the main branches that feed the top. If possible, trim hedges in mid-morning. This is when the dew has evaporated and there is limited moisture in the air. If not possible, aim for late afternoon.
How much can you cut off the top of a hedge?
You can cut both the height and width of your overgrown hedge back by up to 50% in one single cut, however we recommend staggering this process over at least two years, preferably more.
How do you reduce the height of a hedge?
Reduce the height by up to one-third in April. Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. This will allow more light and air into the area around the hedge. Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
How do professionals trim hedges?
Shear the interior and other obvious problem areas first, then use a power trimmer to refine the shape. Snip overgrown branches and limbs inside each bush. Clear enough space for sunlight and air to pass through and stimulate healthy growth. Make sure to prune the base near the roots as well.
What month is best to trim hedges?
Formative pruning is usually carried out in winter or early spring. After this, maintenance trimming is carried out, usually once a year for informal hedges and twice a year for formal hedges. Some formal hedges may need three cuts a year. Maintenance trimming is generally carried out between spring and summer.
Is it better to trim hedges in spring or fall?
Late winter to early spring or mid- to late summer are some of the best times to prune hedges more drastically.
What month should you trim bushes?
Winter is usually the best time.
Dormant pruning is usually done in late winter, six to 10 weeks before the average last frost in your area. You can prune shrubs at any time of year if it’s necessary—for example, to remove broken branches or dead or diseased wood, or to remove growth that is obstructing a walkway.
Is it OK to trim bushes in the fall?
DON’T prune during fall.
No matter what type of shrub you have, fall pruning can stimulate late-season growth that may not have enough time to harden. This can weaken and damage the plant—especially if there’s an early frost. Instead, wait until winter and trim bushes when the plant is in deep dormancy.
Can I prune in October?
October sees the start of the dormant season which is the best time to prune lots of deciduous garden trees. You can prune newly planted trees to remove any damaged growth and help balance the shape of the canopy as well as maintain a dominant main leader.
Should you trim bushes in hot weather?
Summer is an excellent time for restorative pruning. Summer pruning tasks may include removing dead, damaged or diseased branches. Many people think of pruning as a winter task, but there are a number of great reasons to prune your trees and shrubs in summer.
What happens if you prune too early?
Pruning Too Early
If you prune too early in the season, there’s a good chance you’ll snip the buds right off their branches, which means no flowers in the spring. Before you cut, do a little research, like with our pruning guide, or just wait to trim until the plant has finished blooming for the year.