- Cherry laurel tolerates pruning
- cutting tool
- Expose thick branches
- Cutting thick branches: instructions
- frequently asked Questions
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If a cherry laurel is allowed to grow unmolested, it will develop overly strong branches. Simple cutting measures are then usually not enough to shape it attractively again. With our instructions you can cut thick branches on the cherry laurel correctly.
In a nutshell
- Cherry laurel can be radically pruned back into the old wood
- cut between the beginning of November and the end of February
- Saw off the branch in two steps, smooth and slightly bevelled
- use a sharp, disinfected saw
Cherry laurel tolerates pruning
With a radical cut, the gardener always asks himself how deep into the wood he can cut. Because not every shrub tolerates radical pruning and then drives out again as hoped. The cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) does not cause any problems in this regard. It can be cut back into the old wood without hesitation. This means: Even thick branches can be completely removed. The ideal cutting day is frost-free and slightly overcast.
Notice: The Federal Nature Conservation Act only allows you to radically cut thick branches on the cherry laurel from the beginning of November to the end of February. Violations of these provisions can result in a fine of up to EUR 10,000.
cutting tool
Get a pair of pruning shears and a good handheld pruning saw. Cutting off thick branches leaves large open wounds. These must be smooth and clean so that they close quickly and properly. Therefore, before cutting, the tool must be prepared accordingly:
- Clean cutting tool
- Sharpen the blades of the pruning shears
- Sharpen the saw blade
- disinfect both with alcohol
While the blade of an anvil pruner hits an “anvil”, the blades of a bypass model (pictured) slide past each other.
Tip: Use pruning shears with a so-called bypass blade to cut the cherry laurel. In contrast to anvil scissors, it leaves smoother cut surfaces.
Expose thick branches
Oversized branches usually emerge from the base of the shrub. As a result, they are often difficult to access because thinner side branches get in the way. Prepare the branch cut by first removing unwanted side branches with the pruning shears.
Tip: When cutting cherry laurel, toxic juice can escape, which irritates the skin. Therefore, wear gloves and long clothing for all cutting measures.
Cutting thick branches: instructions
It is gardening practice to gradually remove an overly strong branch. The background is that thick branches break off easily when cut due to their weight. Breaking it off will fray the interface. In concrete terms, this means that two cuts are required. The first cut saws off most of the section, the second cut smooths the final cut.
- First determine how far an excessively thick branch should be cut back.
- Do not start the saw at the final cut, but a little further away. Ten centimeters should be enough.
- Saw the branch from below to prevent it from breaking off quickly.
- Then saw from above to where you have already sawn.
- Remove the sawn branch so that it does not interfere with further cutting measures.
- Make the final cut by sawing off the remaining stub cleanly at the desired location.
Tip: You should make the final cut at a slight angle from top to bottom so that rainwater can run off well and rot does not occur.
frequently asked Questions
Can I also use an electric hedge trimmer for trimming?No, an electric hedge trimmer tears up the large leaves of the cherry laurel. As a result, the edges also dry up and the shrub becomes unsightly for a long time. Electric sawing tools are also often not suitable for the radical cut of individual, excessively thick branches. Other nearby branches can be caught, the cuts will not be very smooth. A long, narrow handsaw is best for thick branches.
Can the clippings go on the compost heap?In small amounts yes, as cherry laurel is slow to rot. Oversized branches should be finely shredded beforehand. Large amounts of clippings belong in the bio bin or in the green collection point.
How fast does cherry laurel grow?The cherry laurel is one of the fast-growing trees. In a good location, it can grow more than 50 cm in height per year. Width growth is only slightly weaker. So that no radical cuts are necessary, the plant should be cut back vigorously every year.