Hey everyone! I'm considering planting some 3/4 foot cherry laurels in my front garden to block out the road and create a bit more privacy. I've come across some mixed reviews about these plants and was hoping to hear about any problems you might have experienced with them. I'm looking for a good, reliable hedge that's dense and tall, grows relatively quickly, and doesn't break the bank since I have a large area to cover. Any insights would be appreciated! Thanks!
6 Answers
Other than their aesthetics—which aren't the best—they can be a hassle. They grow super dense and will shade everything around them, potentially making it hard for grass or other plants to thrive nearby. Plus, they're considered somewhat invasive and mildly toxic, so if wildlife is a consideration for you, keep that in mind!
Honestly, cherry laurels can be quite aggressive. They want to grow much bigger than just a standard hedge, so if you're going this route, you really need to be consistent with pruning. Otherwise, they'll take over way more space than you probably want.
I had a bit of trouble with munching muntjacs! They ate mine down to nothing, and I'm just hoping they come back now. Just be prepared for that if you have deer around!
We don't have cherry laurels ourselves, but our neighbors do, and they've turned into a real issue for us. They've spread all over our garden and have shot up ridiculously high—some are about 40 feet tall and thick as trees at this point! If you don't keep on top of them, you'll definitely need a tree surgeon eventually. Just something to think about! How tall do you want your hedge anyway?
I have cherry laurels in my garden because it was the only thing that could thrive in my rocky soil and give me year-round privacy since it's overlooked. They've grown fast, but I have to stay on top of pruning them regularly—otherwise, the leaves take forever to decompose, and it can get really messy. I’ve seen prettier options, though, so just weigh your choices!
Not sure about the situation further afield, but cherry laurels can be invasive around North Wales. Just be aware of that if you're in the area!