Laurel hedging is a common sight these days, and its durability makes it ideal for the great British weather. It's regularly seen in parks and other public places but it can be just as beneficial for home use, being ideal for people that want a bit of added privacy in their garden.

The benefits and characteristics of laurel hedging

Laurel hedging provides the perfect screen to offer that much-needed privacy, and the type of plant used is ideal for this precise use. Because it's evergreen it fills its purpose at any time of the year, and better yet its large, glossy leaves make it pleasant to look at to provide the perfect backdrop for plants and borders.

It flowers in mid-late spring offering even more to look at, and this is also the perfect time for some pruning. Then there's the added advantage that laurel hedging can be kept at any height so all preferences will be well catered to, and because it can grow so quickly it's ideal for people that have particularly nosy neighbours.

How to make the most of your laurel hedging

Laurel hedging is a hardy and durable plant that's particularly easy to maintain. It grows well in all well-drained soil types except shallow chalk, making it perfect for all parts of the country. It can grow in both sun and shade to provide year-round coverage and growth potential, and with average annual growth of 60cm per year it soon reaches an appropriate height.

Of course, you're going to need to keep your laurel hedging carefully trimmed if you want it to stay looking its best. Because of its quick growth rate it can easily become unmanageable and with a top height of up to 15ft it can be too much for a lot of people to cope with, meaning that regular pruning is essential. Remember that it can grow outwards as well, and if you want to keep it under control and looking great you'll need to cut it back on a regular basis.

If you're looking for a hard wearing, evergreen hedge that grows quickly and provides valuable privacy, then laurel hedging could be just what you're looking for. In just a few years you'll be left with the perfect screen that provides coverage at any time of the year, so should always be considered if you want an attractive and durable hedge that you can be proud of.