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Pruning a laurel hedge

BenDoverBenDover Posts: 488
in Problem solving
This website says now is the best time...

http://www.laurelhedging.com/care/how-and-when-to-prune-a-laurel-hedge.html

However, its just thrown out a lot of new growth, and it's starting to look a bit untidy, but if I do it now, it will lose it's freshness and actually, its the best its looked for years (seem to suffer from powdery mildew and shot hole disease).  Should I wait, or will doing it now give it a chance to grow some more.

Posts

  • Xander RanderXander Rander Posts: 70
    I too have laurels newly planted and older established ones looking real good with new growth.... but I’m also unsure if I should start snipping and hacking away as well :/
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    You don't have to cut them now if you don't feel it's right. In fact, the regular cut is a programme of maintaining a dense shape, but you may want your shrub to grow more taller or wider, so it depends. You can prune later in the year if it's better. But the key bit is not to shear them but try to use secateurs instead. This will limit the shredding of leaves which can allow pests and diseases to come in contact with the leaves.
  • ryankhademiryankhademi Posts: 13
    Did you mean a yanny hedge?
  • FirecrackerFirecracker Posts: 256
    I've had the same problems ove the years, I use a petrol trimmer later in the year so I don't upset the nesting birds. Always a big problem with powdery mildew and notched leaves. This years new growth is the best for a long time.
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