Don’t let that slow start fool you—cherry laurel is a serious grower. While it might take a minute to get established, give it a few years and you’ll have a massive hedge on your hands before you know it. If your laurel has outstayed its welcome, here’s the lowdown on how to dig it out and make sure it stays gone for good.
Digging Out Individual Cherry Laurel Plants
If you’re planning on transplanting your laurel or just need to move a single shrub, you’ll want to be a bit more surgical with your digging. Start by marking out a circle about two feet away from the main trunk. Dig down around the plant at this distance until you hit the main roots. Use a sharp spade to slice through them cleanly, and you should be able to lift the whole root ball right out of the ground.
Now, if you’re looking to clear out an entire hedge or you just want the plant gone, you don’t need to be nearly as delicate. The easiest way to tackle a big job is to cut the plant back first. Use a sharp saw to take the trunk down close to the ground; it’s much easier to dig when you aren’t fighting through a wall of branches. Just remember: you *have* to get the roots out. Cherry laurel is a fast grower, and if you leave the stump behind, it’s very likely to sprout right back up.
The Pro Method for Removal and Disposal
Here’s the gear you’ll need to get the job done:
- A sturdy saw
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- A hammer or mallet
- Garden shears
Sometimes you’ll run into an older plant with a massive root ball that just won’t budge. If you’re stuck, try this trick: after sawing off the main trunk, take your hammer and give the side of the stump some heavy whacks. This vibration helps loosen the roots from the surrounding soil and can even snap some of the smaller ones. Once it’s loosened up, prying the main root system out becomes a whole lot easier. Once it’s out, you can dispose of the debris in your green waste bin or burn it if your local ordinances allow.
