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How to thicken lower part of my Portugese Laurel hedge.
kevinponeill865469
Posts: 4
In April 2022 I had to cut back my hedge to allow a retaining wall for my garden to be built.The hedge is growing in height but not lower down where I had to trim it .
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It can take a little time if they are cut hard but do usually show some growth.
Is it possible that the top is wide or overhanging?
That can shade out the bottom.
If so try cutting it so it is narrower at the top so light and rain can get to it.
If it is dry you could give some extra water, but if the top is growing it would seem logical the lower parts would grow too.
A photo might be useful so people can see it.
Is it possible the wall has shaded it or killed off some of the lower branches.
Scrape some bark to see if it still looks alive.
Also if I am not sure I snap a twig or two to see if it is dead.
Too late to feed it now I think, as winter is coming on. But I would give it a chance and a good feed and water in the spring.
Edited to add sorry I mis read your retaining wall was built. Sigh. Not shaded by it.
Also P. lusitanica is usually pretty drought tolerant, so so although we have had a dry year here until now, it could be a lack of water has not helped .
https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1078080/how-can-i-encourage-growth-in-the-lower-part-of-my-portugese-laurel-hedge#latest
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...