Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is one of the most popular hedging plants in UK gardens, prized for its glossy evergreen foliage, fast growth rate, and ability to create a dense, attractive privacy screen. However, without regular pruning, cherry laurel can quickly become overgrown and leggy. Learning how to prune cherry laurel correctly will keep your hedge looking its best all year round.
When to Prune Cherry Laurel
Timing is crucial when learning how to prune cherry laurel. Getting it right means healthier growth and a better-looking hedge. Here are the best times to prune cherry laurel in the UK:
Late Spring (May to June)
Late spring is the ideal time to prune cherry laurel for the main annual trim. Cherry laurel flowers in April and May, so pruning after flowering allows the plant to put its energy into producing fresh, healthy growth. By late spring, most nesting birds will have fledged, which is an important consideration under UK wildlife law. If you only prune cherry laurel once a year, this is the time to do it. Spring is also the perfect season to plant new hedging — our potted cherry laurel plants (25-40cm) establish quickly when planted in May or June.
Late Summer (August to September)
If your cherry laurel is particularly vigorous, a second lighter trim in late summer helps maintain a tidy shape heading into autumn. Avoid pruning too late in the year, as new growth may not harden off before frost arrives. Many gardeners wondering how to prune cherry laurel find that a light August trim keeps hedges looking neat through winter.
Late Winter (February)
For overgrown hedges that need hard renovation pruning, late winter — before new growth starts — is the best window. Cherry laurel is remarkably tolerant of hard pruning and will regenerate well from old wood. Understanding how to prune cherry laurel hard in winter is essential for renovation work.
Best Tools to Prune Cherry Laurel
Before you prune cherry laurel, make sure you have the right tools. Choosing the correct equipment makes a big difference to the quality of cut and the health of your hedge:
- Hand secateurs — the best tool to prune cherry laurel neatly for light pruning and individual stems
- Loppers — for thicker branches up to 3-4cm diameter
- Hand pruning shears — recommended over electric hedge trimmers to avoid shredding the large leaves
- Pruning saw — for renovation pruning of very thick branches
- Gloves and eye protection — cherry laurel leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, so always wear gloves
Top tip: Avoid using electric or petrol hedge trimmers when you prune cherry laurel. The large leaves get sliced in half by mechanical trimmers, leaving unsightly brown edges. Hand pruning with secateurs gives a much cleaner finish.
How to Prune Cherry Laurel: Step by Step
Follow these steps to prune cherry laurel effectively and promote dense, healthy growth:
1. Remove Dead and Damaged Growth
The first step when you prune cherry laurel is to remove any dead, diseased, or frost-damaged branches. Cut these back to healthy wood, making your cut just above an outward-facing bud or side branch.
2. Thin Out the Centre
If the hedge has become very dense in the centre, remove a few internal branches to allow better air circulation and light penetration. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and bacterial shot hole.
3. Shape the Hedge
When you prune cherry laurel into shape, work your way along the hedge trimming back new shoots to create a neat, even profile. Aim to taper the hedge slightly so it is narrower at the top than the bottom — this allows light to reach the lower branches and prevents bare patches at the base.
4. Reduce Height if Needed
Cherry laurel can grow 30-60cm per year, so do not be afraid to take it back to the height you want. For a formal hedge, most gardeners maintain a height of 1.5m to 2.5m, though cherry laurel can easily reach 5m or more if left unchecked. The RHS recommends regular pruning to maintain shape and density. If you need to fill gaps after pruning, our large cherry laurel plants (80-100cm) are ideal for instant impact.
5. Clear Up Clippings
After you prune cherry laurel, remove all clippings from beneath the hedge. Cherry laurel debris left on the ground can suppress growth and may harbour pests. Compost the clippings or take them to your local green waste facility.
How to Prune Cherry Laurel That Is Overgrown
If your cherry laurel hedge has been neglected, do not worry — it responds extremely well to hard renovation pruning. Here is how to prune cherry laurel that has become severely overgrown:
- Time it right — carry out renovation pruning in late February or early March, before the new growing season begins.
- Cut hard — you can cut cherry laurel back to within 30-60cm of the ground. It will regenerate from the stumps.
- Stagger the pruning — for very large hedges, consider renovating one side per year to reduce stress on the plant.
- Feed and mulch — after hard pruning, apply a balanced fertiliser and a thick layer of organic mulch.
- Water well — keep the hedge well watered during dry spells in the first growing season after renovation.
Common Mistakes When You Prune Cherry Laurel
Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes when they prune cherry laurel. Here are the most common ones to avoid:
- Using hedge trimmers on large leaves — this creates brown, shredded foliage. Always use secateurs or loppers when you prune cherry laurel hedges.
- Pruning during nesting season — always check for active bird nests before pruning. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to disturb nesting birds.
- Cutting too late in autumn — new growth will not harden off before winter frosts, potentially causing dieback.
- Neglecting to feed — cherry laurel is a hungry plant. A good feed after you prune cherry laurel helps it recover and produce dense new growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Prune Cherry Laurel
Can I prune cherry laurel in winter?
Yes, but only for renovation pruning of severely overgrown hedges. Light maintenance pruning is best done in late spring or late summer.
How far back can I cut cherry laurel?
Cherry laurel is very forgiving and can be cut back to bare stumps. It will regrow from old wood, though it may take a couple of seasons to fill out again.
Why are the leaves turning brown after I prune cherry laurel?
This is usually caused by using mechanical hedge trimmers that slice through the large leaves. The best way to prune cherry laurel is with hand secateurs for a cleaner cut.
How often should I prune cherry laurel?
Once or twice a year is sufficient for most hedges. A single prune in late spring keeps most cherry laurel hedges tidy. Fast-growing or formal hedges may benefit from a second trim in late summer.
Buy Cherry Laurel Hedging Plants
Now that you know how to prune cherry laurel, why not plant a new hedge or fill gaps in an existing one? At Sunnyside Nurseries, we offer cherry laurel hedging plants in a range of sizes to suit your garden:
- Cherry Laurel 25-40cm Potted — perfect for starting a new hedge on a budget, from just £16.95
- Cherry Laurel 80-100cm Large 5 Litre Pots — ideal for instant hedging and filling gaps, from £79.99
All our plants are carefully grown and dispatched with free standard delivery across the UK and Ireland.
