Laurels are fast-growing evergreen shrubs that can be pruned back quite hard if needed. The best times to trim a laurel hedge in the UK are spring and summer.

When to trim:

Spring (March-May)

The spring months are a good time for the first main trim of the year, when new growth starts emerging. Trimming in the spring allows time for new shoots to develop before winter.

Summer (June-August)

Give established laurel hedges a second lighter trim in the summer to keep their shape looking neat. Be careful not to cut off the current year’s new shoots completely.

Avoid Trimming:

Autumn/Winter

Avoid trimming late in the autumn, as frosts can damage new soft growth. Leave trimming until spring at this stage.

How to Trim:

Use sharp, clean secateurs or cordless hedge trimmers. Cut just above the leaf joint at an angle to encourage bushy regrowth.
For a neater finish, trim the top and sides of the hedge first, then shape the front.
If trimming a tall hedge, use a ladder and start at the top, working down in stages.
Remove all cutting debris from the hedge to prevent disease and encourage fresh growth.
After trimming, clear up around the hedge base, sprinkling a general fertiliser to invigorate growth.

Laurus and include around 30-40 species of aromatic evergreen trees and shrubs in the family Lauraceae.

Common laurel (Laurus nobilis) is native to Mediterranean regions and is widely grown in the UK. It can grow up to 12m tall if unpruned and has dark green glossy oval leaves. Small greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring which later form small black berries.

General information about laurel:

The most popular types of laurel grown in British gardens are cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica). They make excellent hedging plants as they are fast-growing and tolerant of heavy pruning. The Portuguese laurel can reach 6 meters, while the cherry laurel grows up to 10 meters.

Laurel thrives best in moist but well-drained soil and prefers sun or partial shade. They cope with coastal exposure, but frost and cold winds may damage the foliage. Laurels are relatively pest and disease free, especially if the hedge is pruned regularly.

As well as hedging, laurels make useful screening plants to create privacy and to hide unsightly views. The dense foliage provides nesting sites and shelter for birds. Their nectar-rich flowers also attract bees and other pollinating insects in spring.

Here is the RHC page for cherry laurel