Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Laurel Hedging Transplant Help

nick_griff187DYaVuNZunick_griff187DYaVuNZu Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Hi all,

I have purchased some laurel Hedging from a local farmer on Facebook. I had 28 plants ranging from 3ft & above & were dug up around his farm. I have planted these in some manure & premium compost, also added some shredded wood chippings for mulch as I had to get rid of a lot of brambles post planting.
I'm unsure if they are going to come, The leaves look droopy on some.  I have read that I should cut them back but these plants aren't looking bushy. Some are long & leggy with only leaves at the top. Others have few leaves all the way up the stem. A couple have branches, it's quite hard to explain but they don't look like a typical hedge plant. Also if I cut back some song have no leaves at all on. 

Due to them all being different I'm unsure what to do & if I should just leave them. They do look a little unhappy but then again they've only been in a week. 

Would be greatful for any guidance as I don't want money going to waste 😒

Posts

  • parrotfeather*parrotfeather* Posts: 188
    This stuff is usually quite difficult to kill.  When I last transplanted laurel I cut them right down almost to the ground (although try to find a low-growing shoot to cut back to if you can) and they grew back really well.  You will not get a decent hedge if you leave a lot of bare wood at the base as you want it to shoot from low down and bush out.  Cut them down, keep them weeded and watered and in a few weeks you should be pleasantly surprised.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I agree ... cut them hard back.  That will give the roots less to go while they’re getting established, and it will also give you thicker bushier more handsome plants. 
    Win win 👍 

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





  • nick_griff187DYaVuNZunick_griff187DYaVuNZu Posts: 6
    parrotfeather* said:
    This stuff is usually quite difficult to kill.  When I last transplanted laurel I cut them right down almost to the ground (although try to find a low-growing shoot to cut back to if you can) and they grew back really well.  You will not get a decent hedge if you leave a lot of bare wood at the base as you want it to shoot from low down and bush out.  Cut them down, keep them weeded and watered and in a few weeks you should be pleasantly surprised.
    Im not sure if I'm going to have a good hedge. Some have shoots I can cut back to. Others only have shoots at top. So if I cut back I will have all bare wood? Will these shoot out? I have some photos of them so you can see what I mean. There are a few just bare wood with high shoots  example. 
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    This problem has come up before so what is needed is someone who has bookmarked it.

    I remember seeing pictures of hedges in various states but invariably the answer seemed to be 

    Prune, water, mulch.

    Just remember they are not delicate hot house plants. One year I saw a council workman make a slit with his spade then shoved in several cuttings. No water and it was summer. This was on the way to the shops so I saw them frequently. Some died but some lived. Think how much of a headstart yours have got.
    Southampton 
  • nick_griff187DYaVuNZunick_griff187DYaVuNZu Posts: 6
    some of the hedging is like this & unsure if it would send shoots out. Most of it would be bare wood?
  • nick_griff187DYaVuNZunick_griff187DYaVuNZu Posts: 6
    Do you know where the thread is with this query? Thank you 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Here you are 
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/656523/help-needed-please-with-laurel-hedge-issues/p1
    😊 

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





  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    I am engaged in a perpetual war with the stuff. I cut it to the ground and it always springs back. The only way I can kill it is to rip it out of the ground. The epic thread referenced should help give you courage to cut them back hard, they will grow back stronger.
Sign In or Register to comment.