I'm new to gardening and tackling a project in my new home's garden. There's a big laurel, about 8 feet tall and 4 or 5 feet wide, blocking my view from the french doors to the patio, hiding some beautiful flowering shrubs. I find it pretty boring and would like to remove it, preferably to rehome it. I have some tools like a mattock, spade, shovel, and a soil rake, and I can borrow bigger tools if needed. Is it feasible to remove the laurel without killing it, or should I just accept that it's going to end up in the green bin eventually?
3 Answers
Digging it out will be tough! If you really want to save it, consider taking cuttings, but be ready for a workout to lift it. If you decide to cut it back, it might still survive since it's pretty hardy. Just be careful while digging.
It's possible but tricky! You’ll need to get a good chunk of roots and trim back the top to help reduce its weight. It’s a heavy plant, so grab a few friends to help if you attempt it. If not, just dig it out and plant something new in its place.
I’m an over-thinker, haha! I haven’t decided what to plant yet. I was thinking roses might be a good choice to get my 4-year-old interested in gardening.
Honestly, it’s okay to just remove it. If you don't want it in your garden, take it out! It’s just a laurel and there are plenty more plants out there that could look amazing instead.
Thanks! That makes me feel better. I've seen a lot of negativity about laurels, especially since it's blocking a lovely flowering plant.
Yeah, it's starting to look like a big job. I just don't want my father-in-law coming over with a chainsaw and ruining it completely!