I'm looking to remove a large, overgrown laurel hedge from our garden and eventually replace it with native plants. The plan is to use a chainsaw to cut it down, but I'm concerned about how to deal with the stumps and roots. Ideally, I want to prevent them from regrowing but without using herbicides if possible. Would blocking light from the stump work? Also, I'm considering using some of the wood as edging—should I keep it off the ground first to avoid it trying to grow? Any tips on dealing with the cuttings and logs would be appreciated, especially since I know laurel can produce undesirable compounds when composted. Thanks!
3 Answers
If you're looking to remove your laurel hedge, using herbicide might be the best bet. I’ve had success drilling holes into the stumps and injecting a targeted product designed for woody plants—you can find stump-specific formulas like Roundup. Be cautious, as laurel is toxic, and don’t try to burn or compost it. Ultimately, taking the leftovers to your local waste facility is the safest option.
Just a heads up—while laurel wood can look nice, it’s toxic, so think carefully before using it in your garden. If you're concerned about roots, I really recommend getting rid of all of it completely. Also, I found a helpful site that suggests planting shrubs in the area to block sunlight, which might help with any sprouting.
It might be worthwhile to hire someone for the job if you can. When I had laurels removed, the tree surgeon used a winch to pull out the stumps—super quick and effective! If you can’t afford it now, just keep an eye out for sprouting after you cut them down and remove any new growth as soon as you see it.