When To Fertilize Skip Laurels

Knowing when to fertilize skip laurels is the key to getting those lush, dense green screens and hedges everyone admires. Getting the timing right ensures your plants get the nutrients they need exactly when they can use them best for strong, healthy growth.

Skip laurels are tough, beautiful evergreens, but they do benefit from a little nutritional help. Fertilizing at the wrong time can do more harm than good, leading to weak growth or even damage. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule and methods to keep your laurels thriving.

The best time to feed your skip laurels is in the early spring. Aim for just as the new growth begins to emerge, usually when the soil has thawed and you see the first signs of fresh, light green leaves. This gives the plant a boost of energy for its main seasonal growth spurt.

A second, lighter application can be made in the early fall. This helps the roots store energy for winter and supports a strong start the following spring. Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter, as this can promote tender new growth that will be damaged by frost.

Why Spring Fertilization Works Best

Plants wake up in spring hungry for resources. Fertilizing at this time supports the development of all that new foliage. The nutrients are immediately put to work creating the dense, leafy structure that makes skip laurels so popular for privacy.

Applying fertilizer in summer is generally not advised. The heat can stress the plant, and promoting late growth might not give it enough time to harden off before cold weather arrives.

The Importance of Soil Temperature

Soil temperature is a more reliable indicator than calendar date. Wait until the soil is consistently above 55°F. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check. When the ground is this warm, the laurel’s roots become active and can effectively absorb the fertilizer you apply.

Signs Your Skip Laurel Needs Fertilizer

While an annual feeding is a good practice, keep an eye out for these signals that your plant is hungry:

Pale green or yellowish leaves (chlorosis), especially on new growth.
Reduced leaf size compared to previous years.
Slow or stunted growth overall.
Leaves dropping prematurely, outside of normal seasonal shed.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Selecting the correct product is just as important as timing. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is ideal for skip laurels.

Look for a balanced formula like 10-10-10 or 12-6-6.
“Slow-release” means nutrients are delivered over months, preventing burn and providing steady food.
Organic options like well-rotted manure, compost, or blood meal are excellent choices. They improve soil structure as they feed.
For laurels showing yellow leaves with green veins, an acidic fertilizer or one containing chelated iron may be needed to correct soil pH issues.

How to Test Your Soil

A simple soil test takes the guesswork out of fertilization. Kits are available at garden centers.

Collect small soil samples from a few spots around the drip line of your laurel.
Mix the samples together in a clean container.
Follow the test kit instructions to determine pH and nutrient levels.
Adjust your fertilizer choice based on the results. Skip laurels prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0).

Step-by-Step Fertilizer Application

Doing it correctly ensures the fertilizer reaches the roots where it’s needed.

Water the soil thoroughly a day or two before applying fertilizer. This prevents root shock.
Measure the fertilizer according to the package label, based on the size or age of your plant. More is not better.
Spread the fertilizer evenly on the soil starting a few inches from the trunk and extending out to the drip line (the edge of the foliage).
Gently rake or scratch the granules into the top inch of soil.
Water deeply again after application to help activate the fertilizer and move it into the root zone.

Mulching After Feeding

Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch after fertilizing is a great practice. Use shredded bark, wood chips, or pine needles. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, keeps roots cool, and slowly adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down. Just keep the mulch a couple inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.

Common Fertilizing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Over-fertilizing: This is the most common mistake. It can cause fertilizer burn, visible as brown leaf edges, and force excessive, weak growth.
Fertilizing at the base of the trunk: Roots that uptake nutrients are out near the drip line. Placing fertilizer at the trunk is ineffective and can harm the bark.
Ignoring soil pH: If your soil is too alkaline, your laurel cannot access certain nutrients, no matter how much you fertilize. A soil test is crucial.
Using fast-release lawn fertilizers: These can deliver too much nitrogen at once, harming the plant and potentially leaching into groundwater.

Caring for Newly Planted Skip Laurels

Hold off on fertilizing right at planting time. The roots are stressed and need to establish themselves first. For a new skip laurel, wait until its second growing season before starting a fertilization routine. At planting, focus on proper watering and adding compost to the backfill soil instead of synthetic fertilizer.

Watering Practices Alongside Feeding

Water and fertilizer go hand-in-hand. Nutrients need moisture to dissolve and be absorbed. During the growing season, provide about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow sprinkles, as it encourages deeper root growth.

Seasonal Care Checklist

To keep your skip laurels in top shape, follow this simple annual schedule:

Early Spring: Apply slow-release fertilizer as new growth appears.
Late Spring: Prune for shape if needed, after the first flush of growth.
Summer: Monitor water during dry spells. No fertilizer needed.
Early Fall: Optional light fertilizer application to support roots.
Late Fall: Apply a fresh layer of mulch for winter protection after the ground cools.

FAQ: Skip Laurel Fertilization

Can I fertilize my skip laurel in the summer?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat stresses the plant, and fertilizing can exacerbate this or cause tender growth that won’t survive winter. Stick to spring and early fall.

What is the best fertilizer for skip laurels?

A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or organic compost are both excellent choices. The slow-release formula feeds the plant safely over a long period.

How often should I feed my skip laurel hedge?

For most established hedges, once a year in early spring is sufficient. If your soil is poor or growth seems sluggish, a second light feeding in early fall can be beneficial.

Why are my skip laurel leaves turning yellow even after I fertilize?

Yellow leaves often point to a soil pH problem, not a lack of fertilizer. In alkaline soils, laurels can’t absorb iron. Test your soil pH and consider using a fertilizer for acid-loving plants or adding soil sulfur.

Is it too late to fertilize if I missed spring?

If it’s before mid-summer, a light application is okay. If it’s later, it’s better to wait for the early fall window or simply skip until next spring. Late fertilization can be more harmful than doing nothing at all.

Should I fertilize a skip laurel in a pot?

Yes, container plants need more frequent feeding because nutrients leach out with watering. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring and possibly a liquid feed mid-season, but always at half-strength to avoid salt buildup in the pot.

By following these guidelines on when to fertilize skip laurels, you give your plants the foundation they need. Consistent, appropriate feeding leads to vigorous growth, rich color, and a landscape feature that provides beauty and privacy for many years to come. Remember, observing your plants and testing your soil are the best tools any gardener has.