Thinking about moving your cherry laurel to a new spot in the yard? Whether you’re redesigning your garden or your laurel has simply outgrown its current home, transplanting it is totally doable with a little know-how. If you follow these tips, your plant will settle in quickly and start thriving in its new location. Here’s everything you need to know to get the job done right.
Timing and Technique: Getting it Right
The best time to move a cherry laurel is in the spring. This allows the plant to take advantage of that natural early-season growth spurt to establish new roots. If you do it then, your laurel will have plenty of time to get comfortable before the summer heat hits. Late fall is your second-best option, but make sure you give the plant a little “breathing room” before the first freeze. You want those roots to have a chance to grab hold of the soil before the ground gets icy.
Here’s your step-by-step game plan:
- Prune the cherry laurel back by about a third to prepare it for the move.
- Dig a new hole at the destination and loosen up the soil.
- Mix a little compost into the new spot to give it a nutrient boost.
- Carefully dig up the root ball, cutting into the soil about 24 inches away from the trunk.
- Place the laurel in its new home and backfill with soil.
- Keep it well-watered while it adjusts to the move.
The golden rule of transplanting is to keep the core of the root ball intact. If the main root structure is damaged, the plant will really struggle to recover. That’s why you should start digging at least 2 feet away from the trunk. Use a sharp spade to make clean cuts through the outer roots at that distance.
Setting Your Cherry Laurel Up for Success
To make sure your laurel develops a strong root system, you need to pick the right spot. These evergreens actually prefer a bit of shade over full, scorching sun, which can be tough on their leaves. Ideally, you’re looking for loose soil with a good mix of sand or loam.
Don’t skimp on the nutrients! Because cherry laurels keep their leaves all year round, they are hungry plants. You can go the organic route with some well-aged compost, or use a commercial fertilizer. Fun tip: many gardeners swear by rhododendron fertilizer for cherry laurels—it works like a charm.
Finally, check your drainage. Cherry laurels hate “wet feet,” so you want to make sure water doesn’t pool around the roots. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some sand or add a drainage layer at the bottom of the hole. This ensures excess water flows away, keeping those roots healthy and happy in their new home.
