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For topiary specimens of Bay Leaf Trees, it will be necessary to prune
then twice in the summer months. April and then again in August are good
times. If you prune your bay any later than August, it will be too late
for the plant to re-grow new growth before dormancy sets in, so a final
cut in August, will leave you with nice fresh foliage for the autumn and
winter months. The first pruning session in April, can be as severe as
you wish - if you want to head back untidy growth. This is also
the time to start with a bay if you are going to prune it to a
particular shape. Just prune to the rough shape that you want - ie
pyramid, ball or any other shape, and the Bay tree will soon shoot out
into new growth. Further pruning can then take place by way of a light
trim to bring the tree to the required shape.
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This is typical of the shapes that are popular with Bay Leaf
Trees (Laurus nobilis). The long stem can be grown to this
height over a couple of years. If doing this from an early stage
with a small Bay tree, then allow the foliage to grow from the
main stem in the earlier stages, as this will strengthen the
stem. (It will also speed up the process of getting a long
stem). Once the stem is to the desired height, you can prune
to top and then start the process of clipping it to shape over a
couple of years. Make sure that the central stem is supported
with a good cane until strong enough to support itself.
Important Point As the plant will be top heavy,
make sure that the container is large enough to support it, and
be aware of problems with it blowing over in high winds.
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Mature Bay leaf trees can be cut back as hard as required early in
the growing season. They will soon start to re-grow, and can then be
restrained to a suitable size by regular clipping or pruning. Prune
after the re-growth starts as describes above.
Also see Bay Leaf
Tree as Herb
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