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Laurel Problem

g333g333 Posts: 125
in Problem solving
Hi,

Just new to the forum, I have 2 massive laurels the previous owner planted these over 30 years ago.

I am having a new fence and gate added, and the person doing it also a tree surgeon has taken out more than I was expecting. 

Any idea on how long this will take to re form some bushiness to the front so it doesnt look so drastic?

Secondly is there anything that can be done to make this look any better, I dont really want to take the top right top off as I like the height for screening, but think it may be needed to improve how it looks now.

I considered the idea of turning these into trees remove the front leaves, branches and leave from fence height up, this is obviously a bigger task and would need to speak to a tree surgeon but anyone done this on any views on the idea?

Thanks

Posts

  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    We've got one that I periodically cut back, but I find it's rather like a 'watched pot'.  It seems to look trimmed for ages, but I then forget all about it and suddenly it's bushy again.
  • g333g333 Posts: 125
    I just can’t believe so much of the front was taken out for 1 new post the gate is to open outwards also.

    How long would that take to re form. I’m scared to take that top right corner off as I think it will make it worse over a longer period.
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    I would take off that overhanging top right corner to a rounded profile. Laurel is tough stuff and it will soon bush up again, by the end of summer it should look better.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    steephill said:
    I would take off that overhanging top right corner to a rounded profile. Laurel is tough stuff and it will soon bush up again, by the end of summer it should look better.
    Totally agree ... I'd do exactly the same.  And don't lose heart ... just as you begin to think it'll never recover you'll wake up one day and find it's a beautiful green hedge again.   We'll look forward to seeing the photos.
     B) 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • g333g333 Posts: 125
    There is quite a lot to the over hang it looks like a branch or 2 but more to it once you start looking.

    it was my first thought to do that but the more I look at it the more I think will that then make it look worse, least if the top remains it’s only the bottom/ middle that has to play catch up.

    I know exactly what you both mean tho, just can’t believe it’s been hacked so much 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited February 2021
    Your tree man has done it correctly.  With laurel you need to cut the main branches back to allow for the growth of the many sideshoots which bear the leaves.  It will be fine.   :)
    If you look at the top of the bush and see where the twigs that bear the leaves are coming from, you'll see what I mean.  That thick bushy growth has to be replicated down the side of the plant in order for there to be a thick layer of leaves  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    It would only look worse in the short term. Leaving the top will hinder growth at the bottom and middle so it will look worse for longer that way.
    I think it was cut more than you expected to be able to safely access the gate and fence for the repair. Don't worry it won't be long before it swamps the gate again.
  • g333g333 Posts: 125
    Thanks for the advice, so from that the common advice seems to be take the top right section off, to speed the over all growth, by leaving it, it will slow the growth at the middle and bottom?
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