How to Plant a Laurel Hedge: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laurel hedges (commonly referred to as Cherry Laurel or Common Laurel) are an excellent choice for creating privacy, adding greenery, and enhancing the look of any garden which is why they remain one of our most popular varieties. Laurels are versatile, tough, and relatively easy to grow, making them popular among gardeners and landscapers alike. Here’s everything you need to know about planting a laurel hedge, from choosing the right type of laurel to preparing the site and caring for your hedge.

Best Time to Plant a Laurel Hedge

Whilst laurels can be planted at almost any time of year, the ideal planting season for laurels is from mid-October to mid-February. During this time, laurels have a chance to settle in before their active root growth phase starts in mid-end of March. Planting between November and December is especially advantageous, as it gives roots time to establish in cool, moist soil before spring arrives.

Choosing the Right Laurel Hedging Plants

The key to success lies in choosing the right type of plant and giving it the appropriate aftercare. There are three main types of laurel hedges:

Potted/Container-Grown Laurel Plants

These are grown in pots and can be planted year-round. They’re generally a bit more expensive due to the additional care they require, but they tend to establish quickly in the ground and you will end up with a slightly better growth rate in the first year after planting. Discover more surprising benefits of potted laurel hedging.

Rootballed Laurel Plants

Grown in fields for several years, root-balled laurels are dug up out of the ground with a ball of soil around their roots which is wrapped in Hessian to protect their roots. This type is best planted between mid-October and mid-February, allowing them to settle before spring growth begins.

Bare-Root Laurel Plants

Although available from some suppliers, we don’t recommend bare-root laurels for evergreen hedges. Bare-root plants are more susceptible to drying out and failing to establish, especially if you’re unfamiliar with planting them. For this reason, we don’t sell bare-root laurels and you should be very wary of any supplier willing to sell you bare root evergreen hedging, unless you are familiar with the challenges of planting them.

Site Requirements for a Healthy Laurel Hedge

Laurels are hardy and adaptable, but there are a few essential site requirements to consider:

Soil & Drainage

Laurels prefer well-draining soil and won’t do well in waterlogged or heavy clay soil. Planting in damp or boggy areas can cause leaves to turn pale and drop, making the hedge look sparse and unhealthy. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider improving the drainage or selecting an alternative plant for that area.  If your soil is only partially clay, then it might be worth considering planting a potted laurel in the spring after most of the winter rains have passed to give them the best chance of survival.  If you suspect that you have clay in your garden, then the best course of action is to steer clear of laurels and maybe opt for something more tolerant of clay, such as hornbeam.

Sunlight & Shade Tolerance

Laurels will tolerate shade, making them suitable for planting under taller trees or for planting in northern facing aspects. However, they thrive best in full sunlight. If planted in a shady area, be mindful of root competition from other trees, which can limit the nutrients available to your laurels and make it difficult for them to establish.

Spacing Your Laurel Hedge Plants

Spacing is key to achieving the look and density you desire. Here are some general guidelines:

• Privacy Hedge (6-7 Feet High): Space plants about two feet (60 cm) apart. This distance helps form a dense screen relatively quickly whilst providing enough room for roots to establish without competing.
• Tall Hedge (10-12 Feet High): For a taller hedge, you can space plants a bit wider, around three to three-and-a-half feet (90-100 cm) apart. This allows each plant ample room to grow without overcrowding as they get bigger.
• Low Border Hedge (1 Meter High): For a shorter, low hedge, you can plant closer together, around 40-50 cm apart. This helps create an immediate sense of fullness and unity.

While exact spacing isn’t critical, nor an exact science, aiming for these guidelines will help your hedge grow evenly and look natural over time. Just remember that the initial planting spacing is determined by what you ultimately want to achieve from your hedge, and shouldn’t be guided by wanting instant effect, which could be detrimental to the plants in the longer term.  For more information, take a look at our comprehensive guide to perfectly spacing your laurel hedge.

Watering Guidelines for Laurel Hedges

Proper watering is essential for a thriving laurel hedge:

Winter Planting

If you plant from November to March, water your laurels thoroughly when first planted. After that, watering isn’t necessary unless there’s a dry spell lasting over three weeks.  That being said, it will very much depend on the soil that you have and if your soil is particularly free draining (i.e. sand), you might need to water your hedge every couple of weeks if there is a shortage of rain.

Spring and Summer Planting

For laurels planted between March and October, water them once every two weeks. Use a leaky hose or slow trickling irrigation pipe for about three to four hours each time, ensuring deep moisture penetration. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as laurels prefer their roots to be moist but not waterlogged. 

Don’t be tempted to water little and often throughout the summer as the water won’t penetrate deep enough and you will leave the top layer of ground constantly wet, which laurels won’t like.  If there is a particularly hot drought during the summer, you may need to increase your watering slightly to maybe once a week. If in doubt, you are always welcome to call the nursery on 01252 714552 and we will happily advise you on it. Watering is a matter of judgement and depends on the soil type and weather, so understanding both of these is key.

How Long Does It Take for a Laurel Hedge to Become Established?

One of the common questions about planting a laurel hedge is how long it takes for it to become fully established. The good news is that laurels are fast growers when given the right conditions. By the end of the first growing season, you can expect your hedge to start looking cohesive—a row of plants that has filled in and begun to form the appearance of a unified hedge.

However, achieving the full height and density you desire will depend on a few factors, including the initial size of the plants you purchase and how well you care for them. While smaller plants are more affordable, they will take a bit longer to reach mature height. Larger, more established plants may be pricier but will provide instant impact and fill out the hedge more quickly.

If your laurels are planted in quality, free-draining soil, get plenty of sunlight, and are watered and fed regularly, you can expect robust growth. On average, well-cared-for laurel plants can grow up to 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) per year, meaning that within a few years, you’ll have a lush, full hedge providing the privacy and greenery you envisioned.

By treating your laurels well from the start, you can accelerate their establishment, giving your garden the hedge it needs much sooner.

Add Beauty & Privacy to Your Garden

Planting a laurel hedge can add beauty and privacy to your garden with relatively low maintenance. By choosing the right type of laurel, preparing an appropriate planting site, and following these care guidelines, you’ll be on your way to a thriving laurel hedge. Remember to plant at the right time and provide deep but infrequent watering to help your laurels establish a strong root system.

Discover Laurel Hedging from Mathias Nurseries

Laurel hedges are easy to grow, easy to look after, highly tolerant and are a haven for wildlife. Discover our range of container grown and root balled laurel hedging plants today, or get in touch for more information on planting your new laurel hedge by calling 01252 714552.