Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a popular hedge plant. No wonder, because cherry laurel hedges grow very quickly and very densely. Only a few plants are needed for a compact hedge. Cherry laurel is frost-resistant and easy to care for. The specialist trade has a wide range of cherry laurel species for small and large gardens. If a move or a redesign of the property is pending, it may happen that you have to transplant the cherry laurel. We'll show you what to watch out for.
Transplant cherry laurel
Some plants are sensitive to being transplanted, while others don't mind moving. The laurel cherry grows very quickly and becomes very large, so that a move often has to be made for reasons of space. With good care, the cherry laurel bush quickly turns into a tree. The laurel cherry is considered to be very robust and if you follow our instructions, the decorative plant will grow back in its new location without any problems.
location
If you want to transplant a cherry laurel bush, you will benefit from the undemanding nature of the decorative plant. A good location has the following characteristics:
- Location in the shade or partial shade
- adequate hydration
- nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
- sandy to loamy soil
- pH alkaline to slightly acidic
- no waterlogging
- sufficient space, depending on the variety five meters wide and seven meters high
danger: Not only the cherry-shaped fruits, all parts of the Prunus laurocerasus plant are poisonous. Therefore, do not plant it in the immediate vicinity of places where your children or grandchildren like to play.
Laurel cherry, Prunus laurocerasus
time
The best time to transplant the cherry laurel is after the frost in spring.
Alternatively, you can implement it well in late summer or early fall. Transplanting before winter has the advantage that autumn root formation can take place right away at the new location and perfect growth is ensured.
materials and tools
- sharp, clean secateurs
- spade
- compost or horn shavings
- watering can, water
- Support
tip: Depending on the size of the plant, it is worth having a second person with you to help you transplant the laurel cherry.
Relocate laurel cherry: instructions
Step 1 - 3
1. Pruning
With the pruning of the cherry laurel you achieve that the plant can be transported better. At the same time, pruning reduces evaporation through the leaves, which has a positive effect.
Autumn pruning should be done carefully, more than a third should not be pruned back. The cut in the spring can easily be stronger. This stimulates growth and flowering.
2. Dig a new planting hole
After the cut is complete, you can start digging the new planting hole. If the Prunus laurocerasus is only to be moved a few meters on the same plot, it is advisable to dig the new planting hole before digging up the plant. The planting hole must be large enough to accommodate the entire root ball and a layer of compost. The rule of thumb is to dig the new planting hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball.
3. Dig up the plant
Start digging about 50 to 60 centimeters around the cherry laurel. Attention, the root circumference can be up to two meters in large specimens. Roots protruding at the side can be neatly cut off with a spade. The root system should be dug up to 60 centimeters deep.
In order to avoid problems with growth, large specimens of the laurel cherry should have roots that are at least 50 centimeters long.
Step 4-7
4. Planting
First fill a layer of compost in the planting hole. It guarantees the nutrient supply of the shrub, which must be secured at the new location, especially when it is growing. If you don't have compost on hand, you can alternatively use horn shavings.
Insert the plant with the root ball in such a way that the upper edge of the root ball is flush with the edge of the planting hole. Be sure to straighten the shrub. Fill in the hole with soil. After planting, compact the substrate carefully by pressing or stamping it with your feet.
It makes sense to incorporate a watering channel around the trunk.
5. Casting
After the cherry laurel is transplanted and the soil is compacted, it must be well watered. Adequate hydration is also important in the weeks following the move.
By the way: The laurel cherry is an evergreen plant. It also needs some water in winter, as a lot of moisture evaporates through its leaves. Water the plant on frost-free days.
6. Mulch
It is advisable to mulch the cherry laurel after planting and watering. This prevents the root ball from drying out and facilitates growth.
7. Supports
Normally, the cherry laurel does not require any additional attachment after moving. However, if you are transplanting your plant in the fall during stormy weather, or if you live in a windy area, supports will provide additional support.
tip: If you notice yellow leaves on your cherry laurel in the first few days after transplanting, don't worry. Make sure you have enough moisture and the leaves will soon be lush green again.