Hey everyone! We're thinking about putting in some laurel hedging after clearing out a few trees in our garden. The spot we're looking at tends to be really wet since it sits at the bottom of a large lawn. I'm curious, can laurel hedges handle such wet conditions? Should we consider another type of plant, or would it be better to wait for drier weather?
3 Answers
Laurel definitely can take a while to get going, but once it does, it really takes off! Just be prepared for some serious maintenance, especially if you want it to stay in check. That said, if wet ground is a concern, you might want to consider plants like willow, which love to soak up that moisture!
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend laurel. They end up becoming huge and woody, blocking out light and making it tough for other plants to grow nearby. Plus, they’re not very beneficial for wildlife. Have you thought about planting a native hedge instead? Mixing it up with local plants can be a great option.
I've got a neighbor with a massive laurel hedge, and let me tell you, it grows like crazy! They spend a fortune every year just to keep it trimmed back. If you’re aiming for some privacy or year-round greenery, think about whether that’s the look you really want. There are plenty of other options out there!
Totally get that! I didn’t realize they were so high-maintenance. Maybe I should explore other evergreen options.

Yeah, that makes sense! Willows would definitely thrive in that kind of soil.