How and When to Prune Laurel Hedges (A Complete UK Guide)

Pruning is essential to keeping your laurel hedge dense, healthy, and looking its best. Done correctly, it encourages strong growth and maintains the shape of your hedge year after year.

In this guide, we explain when to prune laurel hedges, how often trimming is needed, and the best techniques for both Cherry Laurel and Portuguese Laurel.

When Is the Best Time to Prune a Laurel Hedge?

Laurel hedges are best pruned during their active growing season.

Best Times to Prune Laurel

• Late spring to early summer (May–June)

• Late summer (August–September)

These periods allow the hedge to recover quickly and produce healthy new growth.

Avoid pruning in winter, as this can expose fresh growth to frost damage.

How Often Should You Prune a Laurel Hedge?

• Cherry Laurel:

  • 1–2 trims per year

  • Ideal for fast-growing privacy hedges

• Portuguese Laurel:

  • 1–2 light trims per year

  • Responds well to regular shaping

Newly planted hedges should be allowed to establish before heavy pruning begins.

How to Prune Laurel Hedges Properly

Use the Right Tools

Laurel leaves are large and leathery, which means hedge trimmers can tear the foliage.

✔ Use sharp secateurs for the best finish
✔ Loppers are ideal for thicker branches
✔ Hedge trimmers can be used sparingly on Cherry Laurel, but with care

This is especially important for Portuguese Laurel, where appearance matters.

Step-by-Step: Pruning a Laurel Hedge

1. Start by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches

2. Lightly shape the sides, tapering slightly inward at the top

3. Trim the top last, keeping it level

4. Step back regularly to check balance and shape

 Tip: A hedge that’s slightly wider at the base allows light to reach lower growth.

Pruning Young vs Established Laurel Hedges

Young Hedges

• Avoid heavy cutting in the first year

• Light tip-pruning encourages bushiness

• Focus on root establishment

Established Hedges

• Can tolerate firmer trimming

• Regular pruning maintains density

• Responds well to shaping and height control

Can You Hard Prune a Laurel Hedge?

Yes — laurel hedges are resilient and can recover from hard pruning if necessary.

✔ Best done in spring
✔ Avoid cutting into old, woody growth unless required
✔ Water and feed after hard pruning

Hard pruning is often used to reduce height or rejuvenate neglected hedges.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

• Pruning during frost or heatwaves

• Using blunt tools

• Cutting too aggressively in one go

• Pruning during bird nesting season (March–August) without checks

Always check for nesting birds before trimming.

Aftercare Following Pruning

To help your hedge recover:

• Water during dry periods

• Apply mulch around the base

• Feed lightly in spring

Healthy aftercare leads to quicker regrowth and a fuller hedge.

Which Laurel Is Easiest to Maintain?

• Cherry Laurel: Best for fast-growing, practical screening

• Portuguese Laurel: Best for neat, decorative hedging

Both are low maintenance when pruned correctly.

Browse our full Laurel Hedging range
Explore Cherry Laurel and Portuguese Laurel options
Get expert advice from our team

Take a look at our other laurel resources for more information.
Cherry Laurel vs Portuguese Laurel
Common Problems with Laurel