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Cherry laurel is fast-growing and therefore ideal as a hedge plant. For this, however, the wood has to be cut regularly. However, when is it forbidden to cut cherry laurel? We clarify and give editing tips.

In a nutshell

  • Pruning gives shape and ensures strong and dense growth
  • At the end of June there is a slight topiary
  • Radical cuts prohibited from March to the end of September
  • make heavy cuts at the end of February
  • Avoid electric scissors, as leaves are cut up unattractively

cutting ban

For the laurel cherry (Prunus laurocerasus), as for most hedges, shrubs and woody plants, there is a pruning ban from March 1st to September 30th according to §39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act. During this time, no radical cuts may be made, especially for reasons of bird protection. It is therefore not permitted to "put the trees on the stick". However, if you want to cut the cherry laurel to keep it in shape and healthy, this is not prohibited.

Notice: For larger shape and care cuts, however, you should always seek contact with the responsible nature conservation authority. Violations of this temporary cutting ban result in severe fines of up to 50,000 euros.

cutting circumference

A cherry laurel that grows as a solitaire and finds enough space to develop does not have to be pruned. However, it is possible to shape its crown with specific cutting measures, for example to cut it spherically. A hedge of cherry laurel, on the other hand, cannot do without regular pruning. The annual increase in height of up to 40 cm and the sprawling growth cannot otherwise be tamed. In order for young plants to grow vigorously and opaquely, the annual new growth must be reduced by half in the first years of life.

Tip: If necessary, you can cut back your cherry laurel vigorously without hesitation. The evergreen shrub is very tolerant of pruning and also sprouts from old wood without any problems.

Topiary in summer

With a shape cut, the crown that has grown out of shape is trimmed again in an attractive way. This correction cut should be carried out once a year.

  • after completion of the first growth spurt
  • End of June ideal time
  • after flowering and before the start of St. John's shoots
  • ideally an overcast day
  • Rain increases risk of fungal diseases
  • Sunshine can cause sunburn
  • Cut hedges narrower towards the top

Stronger-growing specimens can be trimmed again in autumn. However, this pruning measure can severely impair or even cancel the flowering of the following year.

Attention: Cherry laurel is poisonous, its juice can irritate the skin. Therefore, wear gloves and long clothing for all cutting measures.

Rejuvenation pruning in winter

Plants that have grown too large or have lost their leaves require a radical cut. Individual branches are thinned out so that light can penetrate into the interior of the crown. This measure must be carried out in late winter. Because, as already mentioned, from March to the end of September it is forbidden to prune cherry laurel (and other shrubs) radically, so as not to disturb any nesting birds.

The cutting ban serves to protect birds.

An additional strong pruning in winter is also useful for fast-growing varieties:

  • Prune mid to late February
  • choose a frost-free, overcast day
  • remove competing and inward growing branches
  • shorten the remaining branches

cut in diseases

The cherry laurel owes its beauty to its shiny green leaves. But no specimen is safe from powdery mildew and scrap shot disease. Then it is important to act quickly to save the bush. A pruning is recommended as the first step.

  • don't wait until the scheduled cutting date
  • Prune the plant immediately
  • Generously remove affected leaves and twigs
  • Transplant severely diseased shrubs

The diseased clippings must not be composted. In domestic compost, the temperature is too low to reliably destroy pathogens. There is a high risk that they will be spread throughout the garden with compost. In addition to diseases, frost can also severely affect the laurel. This frost damage must be removed with scissors in late winter.

frequently asked Questions

What pruning tool should you use for cherry laurel?

In principle, the pruning of the laurel cherry can be done either by hand or with an electric hedge trimmer. However, the latter often literally divides the large leaves of the wood. The result: the leaf residue dries up brown at the cut edge and takes a long time to recover from it. From an aesthetic point of view, you should therefore prefer hand scissors.

Is it true that the clippings shouldn't go on the compost?

Greens from healthy plants can be composted. However, since the fleshy leaves rot very slowly, it is better to put larger quantities in the organic waste bin.

Can I use the clippings for propagation?

Suitable cuttings for propagation can be cut from clippings that accumulate in large quantities during topiary in summer. The green tips are ideally suited as head cuttings. Even cracklings from two-year-old wood can be rooted. But bring patience, as cherry laurel takes root very slowly.

Can I prevent the formation of berries with an autumn pruning?

You can prevent the formation of berries by carefully removing the withered inflorescences in summer after flowering. With an autumn cut, the formation of berries is also prevented, as this removes the beginnings of flowers for the following year. No flowers, no fruit.

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Garden plants