Icy wind and ground frost in the cold season can be hard on cherry laurel. The result is frosty dryness and frozen branches, which are often visible into the summer on unpruned trees.
How to protect cherry laurel in winter?
In order to overwinter cherry laurel successfully, you should choose a protected location in partial shade, apply a thick layer of mulch and additionally water in frost-free weather. In severe frost, protection with fleece or shade nets can be helpful.
Prevent cold damage
In rough locations, give the cherry laurel a protected location in partial shade or shade. A ten centimeter thick layer of mulch and, for young plants, additional cold protection made from vertical fir branches protect the cherry laurel from frost damage. So that the tree can replace the moisture that has evaporated over the large leaf surface, you should additionally water the cherry laurel in frost-free weather.
Cut out frost damage generously
If the cherry laurel freezes back in winter despite these care measures, the only thing that can help is a courageous use of scissors. Cut the tree back deep into the he althy wood. If there is major frost damage, you can reset the cherry laurel down to the trunk. The evergreen shrub usually sprouts quickly and recovers from winter damage in a short time.
Tips & Tricks
In areas with heavy frost, cover the cherry laurel with fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) or shade nets. The loose structure of these tissues allows the cherry laurel to breathe while being protected from excessive cold and sunlight.
