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Recently planted Laurel

Hi l hope someone can advise me. I planted a dozen Laurel which came in pots. I made a large planter and used a lot of topsoil, planted then a foot apart roughly. This is hopefully to provide us with some privacy as they grow. They look ok but some of them are dropping. Should l trim them down or tie them upright. I have attached a few pics to give you a better idea.  I
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  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    How frequently are you watering them?
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Laurel grow into huge shrubs. I think they will struggle to survive planted so closely in such restricted space. Watering will be very important.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you removed every other one, they'd stand a better chance, although the restrictive space may be enough to stop them getting to a decent size anyway. As @Posy says - they need a lot of water, and the timber will also soak up moisture, unless you've lined it well with plastic. 
    What do you mean by dropping? Do you mean foliage dropping? If so, that's normal for all evergreens, but they might drop a lot due to the conditions they're in. 
    I'm afraid it's not the best choice for your container.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JoeX said:
    How frequently are you watering them?
    Thank you for getting back to me. I planted them on Saturday and have been watering them every morning. It’s also been rainy at a steady drizzle pace. 
  • Thank you Fairygirl and posy for getting back to me. I was advised that the container will be big enough and l have lined the planter and placed some bricks at the bottom for drainage. I followed instructions given by the guy l bought the laurels from. It’s concerning that l might not get the growth l am hoping for but l shall keep an eye on them as lm reluctant to remove any just yet. Regarding drooping l mean that the Laurel is not standing upright and l just wondering if l should trim or maybe tie it so it stands up. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd have cut them back a good bit. That encourages sideways growth. You may have to put canes in though until they can support themselves though, because there really isn't the depth and volume there for them to grow properly. 
    I'm not sure why you were told to put bricks in the bottom. All that will do is reduce the soil volume even further unfortunately. Is there a base on the container, or is it open to the hard surface? You might get away with it if it's the latter, as long as there's enough of a gap to let excess water drain away. Fortunately, laurel can cope with quite wet conditions though.
    Watering needs to be thorough - by the bucket - every few days, rather than a trickle every day. Light watering stops roots getting down properly. I'm not sure it'll matter much though, as there isn't the depth there for them to get roots down anyway. 
    I think you may have to take those out at some point and replace them with something more suitable. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Thank you for getting back to me. I think lm going to get in touch with the guy l bought them from and ask him to come and have a look. I am not green fingered! Thank you for your feedback and advise.  much appreciated. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I take it he isn't actually a gardener  ;)
    Anyone experienced or knowledgeable  wouldn't have recommended those for that site IMO. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    JoeX said:
    How frequently are you watering them?
    Thank you for getting back to me. I planted them on Saturday and have been watering them every morning. It’s also been rainy at a steady drizzle pace. 
    No problem. When you say you have lined the planter and put bricks in for drainage…are there holes in the plastic lining to allow the water to drain out of the planter?

    Also, when you say watering them is this a light sprinkle with the hose, or a thorough soaking?

    Lastly, did you use soil or compost, and firm them in when you planted them?
  • Hi Joe, I lined the sides of the planter only and one side is brick so l didn’t line that side. There are no holes to allow for drainage, l could drill some holes if l need to, the planter is 2feet wide and 1 meter depth. I used topsoil only. I’m just heading to get some canes to help support the laurels (as that’s what the guy who sold them to be has advised) l hope they settle and flourish! Kind regards 
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