It's always going to be a slower process when there's a lot of competition for moisture, as laurel needs plenty to get established well. As @GardenerSuze says - the problem with insufficient, manual watering, is the roots staying near the surface, which then makes them more vulnerable in dry spells. With such a large tree nearby, that's going to be difficult. If you're not in a naturally wetter area, it's a much tougher process. After three years, even a smaller specimen would usually be around four or five feet in all directions. A different hedge type might have been a better option, but it's probably too late for you to change unless it's only a few you've put in, and/or you feel that's worth doing.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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If you're not in a naturally wetter area, it's a much tougher process. After three years, even a smaller specimen would usually be around four or five feet in all directions.
A different hedge type might have been a better option, but it's probably too late for you to change unless it's only a few you've put in, and/or you feel that's worth doing.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...