How Far Apart to Plant Skip Laurels: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking to add some privacy or beauty to your garden or landscape, skip laurels are an excellent option. These evergreen shrubs are known for their lush green foliage, fast growth, and low maintenance. However, planting skip laurels requires careful consideration of spacing to ensure healthy growth and maximum visual impact. In this guide, we’ll explore how far apart to plant skip laurels, taking into account several factors that determine the optimal spacing.

Factors to Consider When Planting Skip Laurels

Before you begin planting skip laurels, it’s essential to consider several factors that affect their growth and health. These include:

Growth Habits and Size of Skip Laurels

Skip laurels can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, so it’s crucial to consider their mature size when spacing them. Planting them too close together can result in overcrowding, leading to stunted growth and increased susceptibility to diseases and pests.

Soil Type and Drainage

Skip laurels thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Poor soil drainage can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plants. Before planting skip laurels, test your soil’s pH level and amend it accordingly.

Amount of Sunlight and Wind Exposure

Skip laurels prefer partial to full sunlight and are sensitive to strong winds. Planting them in areas with excessive wind exposure can lead to leaf scorching and damage.

Taking these factors into account will help you determine the ideal spacing for your skip laurels.

Recommended Spacing for Skip Laurels

Once you have considered the factors above, it’s time to determine the proper spacing for your skip laurels.

Distance Between Individual Plants

For optimal growth and visual impact, space individual skip laurels 4 to 6 feet apart, center to center. This spacing allows for sufficient air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and provides enough room for the shrubs to grow.

Distance Between Rows

If you’re planting skip laurels in rows, leave a distance of 8 to 10 feet between each row. This spacing allows for proper maintenance, such as pruning and mulching, and prevents overcrowding.

Spacing for Hedging

If you plan to use skip laurels for hedging, reduce the spacing between plants to 2 to 3 feet apart, center to center. This spacing will encourage the shrubs to grow together, creating a dense and uniform hedge.

By following these recommended spacing guidelines, you can ensure that your skip laurels grow healthy and beautiful without being overcrowded.

Stay tuned for the next sections, where we’ll discuss planting tips and maintenance and care for skip laurels.

Recommended Spacing for Skip Laurels

Once you have considered the factors above, it’s time to determine the proper spacing for your skip laurels.

Distance Between Individual Plants

For optimal growth and visual impact, space individual skip laurels 4 to 6 feet apart, center to center. This spacing allows for sufficient air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and provides enough room for the shrubs to grow.

Distance Between Rows

If you’re planting skip laurels in rows, leave a distance of 8 to 10 feet between each row. This spacing allows for proper maintenance, such as pruning and mulching, and prevents overcrowding.

Spacing for Hedging

If you plan to use skip laurels for hedging, reduce the spacing between plants to 2 to 3 feet apart, center to center. This spacing will encourage the shrubs to grow together, creating a dense and uniform hedge.

By following these recommended spacing guidelines, you can ensure that your skip laurels grow healthy and beautiful without being overcrowded.

Planting Tips for Skip Laurels

Planting skip laurels is a relatively easy process that requires some basic preparation and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you plant your skip laurels successfully:

Preparing the Site

Before planting skip laurels, choose a site that receives partial to full sunlight and has well-drained soil. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area and amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting Techniques

Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and slightly shallower than the depth of the container. Gently remove the skip laurel from its container and place it in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water your skip laurels deeply and regularly, especially during their first year of growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.

By following these planting tips, you can ensure that your skip laurels establish themselves quickly and thrive in their new environment.

Maintenance and Care for Skip Laurels

Proper maintenance and care are crucial for skip laurels’ long-term health and beauty. Here are some tips to keep your skip laurels in top condition:

Pruning and Shaping

Regular pruning and shaping are necessary to maintain skip laurels’ shape and size. Prune the shrubs in late winter or early spring before they start to grow new leaves. Use sharp pruning shears to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also shape your skip laurels into a particular form, such as a cone or ball, by selectively pruning the branches.

Disease and Pest Control

Skip laurels can be vulnerable to diseases and pests, such as root rot, leaf spot, and spider mites. To prevent these issues, ensure that your skip laurels are planted in well-drained soil and receive proper sunlight and water. If you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, treat them promptly with a fungicide or insecticide. It’s also a good idea to inspect your skip laurels regularly for any signs of problems.

Mulching and Watering

Mulching can help retain moisture in the soil and regulate soil temperature, which is essential for skip laurels’ growth. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrubs, taking care not to cover the stems. Water your skip laurels deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, skip laurels are a beautiful and low-maintenance shrub that can add privacy and beauty to your garden or landscape. Proper spacing is crucial for their growth and health, and it’s essential to consider factors such as growth habits, soil type, and sunlight exposure. By following the recommended spacing guidelines and maintaining your skip laurels regularly, you can enjoy healthy and beautiful plants for years to come. Remember to prune and shape your skip laurels, treat any diseases or pests promptly, and mulch and water them regularly. With these tips, you can ensure that your skip laurels thrive and provide a lush and green backdrop to your outdoor space.