One effective way to encourage faster and bushier growth in cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is through regular pruning. This technique stimulates the plant to produce new shoots, leading to denser foliage and a more rapid increase in overall size and cover.
Encourage Faster Growth Through Pruning
Pruning is a vital horticultural practice used to shape plants, remove dead or diseased wood, and significantly encourage new growth. For cherry laurel, strategic trimming helps redirect the plant's energy into developing more branches and leaves, contributing to a faster, more robust appearance.
Recommended Pruning Method
Based on common practice for encouraging growth in laurel species, the following steps outline the pruning approach:
- Use the Right Tools: Ensure you have sharp pruners or hedge trimmers. Sharp tools make clean cuts, which are better for the plant and make the job much easier and quicker.
- Frequent Trimming: To actively encourage growth, prune the branches several times a year. The frequency depends on how fast your specific plant is already growing.
- Cut Back Appropriately: When trimming, cut the branches back by up to a quarter of their length. This stimulates growth further down the stem.
By regularly trimming the tips, you prevent the plant from putting all its energy into just extending existing branches. Instead, it is prompted to activate dormant buds lower down, resulting in a multitude of new shoots that fill out the plant and increase its mass more quickly.
Pruning Summary Table
For a quick reference, here are the key actions for pruning cherry laurel to encourage faster growth:
| Action | Tool Recommendation | Frequency | Amount to Cut Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Branches | Sharp pruners or trimmers | Several times a year | Up to a quarter |
Implementing this consistent pruning schedule helps your cherry laurel develop into a dense, fast-growing screen or hedge.
