Pruning Laurel Bushes

Eve's_Dad

What's the best time to prune Laurel bushes?

Thanks,

Gil

chris1

I would also like to know when is the best time of year to prune a laurel hedge - does anyone know, or could point out where to find out? Thanks

jellymid

I think laurel can be pruned anytime, but can be disposed to canker so pruning during dry spells of weather is recommended. Spring/summer is therefore supposed to be best, but with the last two summers we've had...! They sometimes need doing twice in a season and secateurs are recommended to give a neat finish.

I once read that the leaves give off a poisonous gas, so if you are taking the cuttings to the tip in the car, leave the car window open.:eek:

ShauntheSheep

Laurel grows very quickly and can be pruned at almost any time. The reason you need to use secateurs is that the leaves turn brown when they are cut, but take ages to drop off so they sit there looking very ugly for a long time.

As Jellymid says, the leaves do give off a poisonous gas - cyanide! It's probably not enough to hurt on the way to the tip - unless it's a very long journey! But the berries are poisonous if eaten and I've always understood that the cyanide given off by burning laurel can be very dangerous - so better to risk the trip to the tip.