Yes — laurel is one of the best species for reductions. We can take significant size off and it'll re-shoot reliably from older wood.
Laurel· Prunus laurocerasus / Portuguese laurel
Laurel hedge trimming in Auckland.
Classic, big-leafed and bulletproof — laurel is the workhorse privacy hedge for larger Auckland sections.
About Laurel
Laurel (mostly cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus, and Portuguese laurel Prunus lusitanica in the smarter gardens) is one of the toughest hedge species we trim. Large glossy leaves, dense growth, and the ability to take a hard reduction make it ideal for big boundary hedges on larger sections out west, in the country pockets of Coatesville and on the leafy old streets of central Auckland.
Why it's popular in Auckland
It's a true privacy hedge — thick, tall, evergreen and impenetrable. Handles shade, handles full sun, handles hard trimming. The big leaves give a solid wall of green rather than the fine-textured look of pittosporum or buxus. If you want a serious 3–4m privacy screen, laurel is almost always the answer.
At a glance
- Growth rate
- Fast (50–70cm per year)
- Max height
- 4–6m as a hedge
- Best aspect
- Sun or shade
- Coastal tolerance
- Moderate
- Trim frequency
- 2 times per year
- Lifespan
- 30+ years
Best time to trim
Main trim in late spring or early summer, with a second shape-up in late summer or early autumn. Where possible we use secateurs or a hedge knife on cherry laurel rather than blades, because the big leaves look ragged when sliced — but on long boundary hedges that's not practical, and they recover the look within a few weeks.
Care & trimming tips
- Big leaves bruise when cut by hedge trimmers — for a high-end formal look on small hedges, hand-prune
- On long boundaries, regular hedge trimming is fine — leaves regrow and the cut edges hide
- Tolerates hard reductions extremely well — comes back from old wood every time
- Mulch annually to retain moisture and feed
- Watch for shot-hole leaf spot in damp shaded spots; airflow and a hard trim usually fixes it
Common issues we see
The most common issue is laurel that's gotten away — 5m tall and bulging into the neighbour's section. The good news: laurel handles hard reductions better than almost any species. We can take 1–2m off the top and a similar amount off the sides and it'll come back thick within a season. Shot-hole disease and minor leaf-spot pop up in damp shaded gardens; usually cosmetic.
FAQ
Laurel hedge questions
Cherry laurel grows faster and has bigger leaves; Portuguese laurel is finer-textured, more refined, and a bit slower. Both make great hedges — depends on the look you want.
Yes — leaves and berries contain compounds that are toxic if eaten. It's not a problem for established hedges, but worth knowing if you have very young children or curious pets.
Twice a year is plenty for most properties. Faster-growing hedges in warm sunny spots might need a third light trim.
Free quote on your Laurel hedge.
Text a few photos and your address — we'll come back with an honest price, usually the same day.