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English Laurel Aftercare in the Pacific Northwest

English Laurel

English Laurel tree, Prunus laurocerasus, mature specimen — species reference for Pacific Arboriculture homeowners in Auburn and the south Puget Sound.
English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prunus_laurocerasus_002.JPG
Prunus laurocerasus
  • Glossy dark green evergreen leaves — dense, year-round screening
  • Fast-growing — typically 2–3 ft per year once established
  • Tolerates shade better than most hedge species
  • Fragrant white flower spikes in spring, followed by black berries

English Laurel is one of the most popular hedge species in the south Puget Sound — the glossy dark-green evergreen foliage forms a dense visual screen, growth is fast, and the species tolerates shade better than most hedging plants. Mature hedges can be maintained at any height from 4 feet to 15 feet with regular pruning. Spring brings fragrant white flower spikes followed by small black berries.

Planting and Care

  1. Planting. Space young plants 3–4 feet apart for a dense hedge, or 5–6 feet apart for individual specimens. Plant in well-drained soil; English Laurel tolerates a range of pH and soil types. Dig planting holes wide rather than deep, set the trunk flare at grade, backfill with native soil, water in, and mulch.
  2. Watering. Deep weekly watering through the first two growing seasons. Established laurel is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with supplemental water during the south Puget Sound’s late-summer dry stretch.
  3. Fertilizing. A single application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports the heavy annual growth that makes laurel useful as a fast hedge. From year three onward, fertilization can often be skipped on healthy soils.
  4. Pruning. Hedge form: prune two or three times per growing season to maintain shape and density — first pass in early summer after spring flush, second pass in late summer, optional third pass in early fall. Use bypass shears or pruners rather than power hedge trimmers when possible to limit leaf damage and shothole disease pressure.

English Laurel is well-suited to south Puget Sound conditions but watch for shothole disease (cosmetic leaf spotting). Plant in sites with adequate airflow in Auburn, Kent, Tacoma, Federal Way, and surrounding cities; avoid overhead irrigation that wets the foliage.

Need a Pacific Arboriculture ISA Certified Arborist to look at the english laurel on the property?
Call (206) 909-2170 or request a free quote — Pacific Arboriculture provides residential and commercial tree services across Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tacoma, Federal Way, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Maple Valley, and the wider south Puget Sound.

Return to Hedges & privacy trees aftercare.

English Laurel Specs

Mature Height15–30 ft (unpruned); typically maintained at 6–12 ft
Mature Width10–20 ft (unpruned); typically maintained at 3–6 ft
SunlightFull Sun, Partial Shade, Shade
Growth RateFast
Botanical NamePrunus laurocerasus
Planting questions?
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