Follow these simple steps to ensure your new Cherry Laurel hedge gets the best possible start, establishing quickly and thriving for years to come in your UK garden.

1. The first step to planting success is preparing the ground where your Cherry Laurel plants will take root. Carefully remove all weeds and grass from an area approximately 30cm on each side of where you plan to plant. Keeping this area clear for at least the first year is crucial for your hedge to establish strong roots.
   
   
2. Next, dig a trench or individual holes for each of your Cherry Laurel plants. These should be as deep as the plant's root ball and roughly twice as wide.
   
   
3. Use a fork to loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the trench or holes. This will significantly improve drainage and encourage healthy root development for your Cherry Laurel.
   
   
4. Cherry Laurel thrives in enriched soil. Digging well-rotted manure or compost into the soil before planting will boost essential nutrient levels. For even better results, we highly recommend using a root growth stimulant that encourages water and nutrient retention, dramatically improving the vitality and success rate of your new hedge. Ensure this comes into direct contact with the roots. You can also incorporate a slow-releasing fertiliser into the soil in the planting hole, mixing it thoroughly.
   
   
5. Once the soil is prepared, position your Cherry Laurel plants at the correct spacing. You can use a ruler or bamboo cane and string to ensure even distances. The ideal spacing will depend on the number of plants you have and the length of your planting area. Consider whether you want a single row or a more dense, double-staggered effect.
   
   
6. Watering is absolutely vital for newly planted Cherry Laurel. Before placing each plant in its hole, thoroughly soak the root ball. Then, half-fill each planting hole with water and allow it to drain away completely.
   
   
7. Carefully place each Cherry Laurel plant into its prepared hole. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. You can use a straight stick laid across the ground to check you're not planting too deep or too shallow.
   
   
8. Backfill the holes with the prepared soil, gently firming it around the base of each plant to eliminate any air pockets. This helps prevent frost damage to the roots of your Cherry Laurel.
   
   
9. Finally, water each Cherry Laurel plant thoroughly again. This initial deep watering helps the soil settle around the roots and establishes good contact between the soil particles and the fine feeding roots.
   
   
10. If rabbits are a known issue in your area, consider using individual plant guards to protect your young Cherry Laurel. These create a small, sheltered environment that can aid establishment. You'll typically need a small cane to support each guard. Please note these are best suited for smaller, younger plants.
    

For very long stretches, there's a quicker planting method involving creating a notch in the soil with a spade, placing the bare root plant, and firming the soil. However, remember that thorough watering and planting in weed-free soil are still essential for your Cherry Laurel, regardless of the planting method you choose.

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