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The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) with its slightly shiny and evergreen leaves is one of the classic garden and hedge plants in this country. Due to its rapid growth and compact appearance, the cherry laurel or laurel cherry is a very popular year-round wind and privacy screen in the garden. Alternatively, the garden fence can also be replaced as a property enclosure. As a rule, this hedge plant is quite easy to care for. However, there are a few things to consider when planting. Here are some tips on how to do this.
Plant laurel cherry
planting distance
In order to enjoy a cherry laurel hedge for a long time, it is important to keep an appropriate planting distance. If the distance between the plants is too small, the hedge will quickly become opaque, but growth in general will suffer greatly. Only if there is enough space do the individual plants receive enough nutrients that they need for good and healthy development.
When you buy the plants, they are usually only 40 to 60 cm high. However, if you then consider that they grow relatively quickly and can reach a height of up to 300 cm with regular pruning, an appropriate planting distance between the individual plants is necessary. This should be at least 90 to 110 cm. However, if a lighter hedge is desired, the distance can then be increased accordingly.
tip: The planting distance describes the distance between two plants. It is measured from the middle of the trunk of one tree to the middle of the trunk of the next tree.
space for maintenance work
The shoots not only grow in width, but also in height in a very short time. When planting, not only is the distance between the individual trees important, but there must always be enough space for maintenance work, especially when pruning. In other words, there must also be enough space in front of and behind the hedge. In addition, it is also important to always keep the distance to the neighboring property in order to avoid disputes in advance. A distance in front of and behind the hedge is recommended
- with a tree height up to 100 cm from 40 to 60 cm
- for larger plants up to 90 cm
tip: If the property is enclosed by a cherry laurel hedge, then the building and neighborhood regulations as well as all local statutes must be observed. The city and municipal administrations provide information here.
planting time
Cherry laurel plants are offered from spring to autumn. Planting in spring is a good idea if you want to plant cuttings and very young plants. Because at this time the laurel cherry forms buds and leaves. When planting, make sure that there is no longer any risk of frost. Should the nights get colder again, cover the young plants all around with mulch or brushwood.
However, if you want to plant larger cherry laurel plants, choose autumn as the time for planting. As the days get colder, the hedge plant can concentrate fully on root formation and root itself well in the ground.
Plant cherry laurel correctly: instructions
The planting of cherry laurel is always well prepared. This includes not only watering the plants, but also digging the planting holes, planting the trees and spreading covering material. Here is a short step-by-step guide for professionally planting a cherry laurel hedge:
- optimal planting time from mid-September
- spring planting is also possible until the end of April
- Container plants all year round, except during periods of frost
- right choice of location - sunny to semi-shady
- deep soil, rich in humus and nutrients, prefers clay soil
- Mark out the course of the hedge with pegs and a guideline
- Mark planting holes
- Dig planting holes twice the width of the root ball, store the soil on the side
- Planting hole should be as deep as the ball is high
- Loosen the bottom of the pit to a depth of 10 cm
- Then plant plants as deep as they were planted at the previous location
- Fill in the soil up to the top of the planting hole
- mix the excavated soil with compost, manure or horn shavings
- Compact the soil by gently stepping on it
- Form the pouring edge around the root area
- then properly muddy the root area with water
- Pouring edge can remain for a few weeks until the hedge has grown
- Apply covering material such as mulch or gravel
- water regularly in the following weeks
tip: If the planting distances are small, a complete trench for the planting can be dug as an alternative to the planting holes. Plants can be aligned here if necessary.