Can you also cut cherry laurel in October? There are a few things to consider when cutting so that the hedge plant gets through the winter well and retains its shape.
Pruning cherry laurel in October: This is why pruning is necessary in autumn
It is one of the most popular hedge plants and is particularly popular for its dense and compact growth: the cherry laurel. The evergreen tree offers privacy and wind protection all year round. Proper fall care is crucial for the shrub.
The benefits of a second cut in the fall include:
- The shrub can be shaped into the desired shape, which it then maintains over the winter thanks to the stopped growth.
- You can also cut back heavily woody trees in September/October. In early autumn it is still warm, so the shrub can recover from pruning. At
- When the hedge plants are thinned out in October, you ensure that all branches receive enough sunlight and prevent mold and waterlogging.
- In autumn the birds have left their nests and all cutting measures are permitted.
- In autumn the gardening season is almost over, the gardening is significantly less than in spring and you can devote more time to pruning.
Carry out the pruning measures before permanent frost
This type of cherry laurel grows an average of 40 cm in height and 35 cm in width every year (which can of course vary depending on the species and variety). The cutting measures are carried out once or twice a year. This is enough to keep the shrub in shape. A topiary can be done immediately after the Ice Saints in May and then in autumn. The right time in early autumn is the beginning of October, ideally before the first frost. The young shoots can grow until the end of September/beginning of October and will also tolerate the pruning measures well.
Woody and bare hedges becomeeither in springor cut in early fall. The rule of thumb applies: If the temperatures fall below 0° Celsius at night, then you should postpone cutting until February/March to avoid frost damage. But if autumn is warm and dry, you can make rejuvenating cuts.
A cloudy day proves to be optimal. In rainy weather, bacteria and fungi can get into the cuts and cause illness. In strong sun the interfaces can burn.
Cut the laurel hedge correctly: instructions
First of all: All parts of the cherry laurel are poisonous to people and animals. Even contact with skin can cause irritation. You should therefore wear gardening gloves, clothing that covers the arms and legs and a protective mask when cutting. This way you can avoid skin irritation and dispose of all cut plant parts in the organic waste bin.
Cut back young plants vigorously in the first year
Newly planted hedge plants are cut back heavily in the first year to promote root formation and shoots. In addition, plants that have been cut back heavily in the first year grow more compact and offer better visibility and wind protection.
Directions:All shoots are shortened to three leaf buds. The optimal time for this cut (weather permitting) is the beginning of October.
Give the cherry laurel a topiary cut
Choose a frost-free day for topiary. Laurel trees that have not yet reached their maximum height are only cut on the sides and bottom. The plants should be cut in an A-shape - i.e. wide at the bottom and narrow at the sides. This means that even the shoots that grow below receive enough sunlight in winter and can dry quickly after rain.
Hedge plants that have already reached their maximum height can be shortened from above. Cut off the branches directly above a leaf bud.
Also read:Which trees to prune in October? Maintain the right plants!
Heavy pruning of bare hedges
Pruning can save bare hedges. It can be done in spring and, weather permitting, also in autumn. The cherry laurel plants are shortened by two thirds. You can cut into the old wood, the cherry laurel will recover easily and sprout again.
So that it grows as quickly as possible, you should leave the shoots in the middle a little longer than the side branches. Dead branches or shoots are cut off close to the ground.
Pruning cherry laurel in October: solitary trees
The cherry laurel is also planted as a solitary plant in the garden and then shaped. The pyramid shape is particularly practical, as all branches receive sufficient sunlight. Since the shrub is very easy to cut, other shapes can also be achieved.
It should be cut annually, preferably in the period February-March and then September-October (i.e. after the end of the flowering period and before the first frost) in order to maintain the chosen shape. The shrub itself does not need annual pruning, it will not become woody and will continue to grow strongly.
The cherry laurel is a popular hedge plant that benefits from careful pruning in autumn. There are a few things you should keep in mind - always wear protective clothing (the shrub is poisonous in all its parts), cut back young plants vigorously and only give hedges a topiary cut. Solitary trees can, but do not have to, be shaped.
Also read:When to cut hydrangeas: Is October a good time to do it?
