If you’re looking for a classic, reliable way to screen your garden from view, planting skip laurel against a fence is a brilliant solution. This combination offers year-round privacy with evergreen charm, creating a lush, green backdrop that works in every season.
It’s a straightforward project with a big payoff. You get a dense, living wall that looks far more natural than any paneling. Plus, it adds structure, reduces noise, and provides habitat for birds. Let’s walk through how to do it right, from planning to planting to long-term care.
Skip Laurel Against a Fence
Skip laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’) is a top-tier choice for fencing. It’s a tough, fast-growing evergreen shrub that tolerates shade better than many of its relatives. It features glossy, dark green leaves and sends up fragrant white flower spikes in spring. When planted along a fence line, it quickly fills in to create a seamless, private barrier.
Why Skip Laurel is Perfect for Fence Planting
You might wonder what makes this particular shrub so special for this job. Here are the key benefits:
* Fast Growth: It can grow 1-2 feet per year, establishing your privacy screen relatively quickly.
* Dense Habit: Its upright, bushy growth fills in tightly, leaving few gaps for prying eyes.
* Shade Tolerance: Unlike some evergreens, it handles partial to full shade well, making it ideal for fences that cast shadow.
* Low Maintenance: Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and generally pest-resistant.
* Versatile Styling: It takes well to pruning, so you can maintain a neat, formal hedge or let it grow more naturally.
Planning Your Laurel Fence Line
Good planning prevents problems later. Before you buy a single plant, take these steps.
First, assess your fence. Is it in good repair? You don’t want to plant a beautiful screen only to have to dig it up for fence repairs next year. Check the material too—wood, vinyl, and chain-link all work, but your spacing might vary slightly.
Next, measure the total length you want to cover. This is crucial for figuring out how many plants you’ll need.
Spacing: The Golden Rule
Proper spacing is the secret to a dense, unified screen. Planting too far apart leaves gaps for years; too close stresses the plants.
* For a traditional hedge look: Space skip laurels 4 to 6 feet apart, center to center.
* For a faster, denser screen: You can plant them as close as 3 feet apart. Remember, they will need more nutrients and water when crowded.
* Always plant at least 2 feet away from the fence itself. This allows for air circulation, which prevents disease, and gives you room to get behind them for maintenance.
How Many Plants to Buy
Let’s say your fence line is 30 feet long. If you space plants 5 feet apart, you’d need: 30 ft / 5 ft = 6 plants. Add one extra for the end, so 7 plants total. It’s a simple calculation that saves you a second trip to the nursery.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Now for the fun part—getting them in the ground. Early fall or spring are the best times, giving the roots time to settle before extreme weather.
1. Mark Your Spots. Use a tape measure and some stakes or spray paint to mark each planting spot along the fence line, using your chosen spacing.
2. Dig the Holes. Each hole should be about twice as wide as the plant’s root ball but no deeper. You want the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
3. Amend the Soil. Mix the excavated soil with some compost or well-rotted manure. Skip laurel isn’t picky, but good soil gives it a strong start.
4. Position the Plant. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it’s straight. The root ball should be that 2 feet away from the fence we talked about.
5. Backfill and Water. Fill the hole halfway with your soil mix, water thoroughly to settle it and remove air pockets, then fill the rest. Create a small soil berm around the edge to form a watering basin.
6. Mulch Generously. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch (like wood chips or bark) around the base of each plant. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the main stem to prevent rot. This conserves moisture and supresses weeds.
Caring for Your Skip Laurel Screen
Consistent care in the first few years ensures a healthy, robust screen for decades to come.
Watering and Feeding
Watering is critical. For the first two years, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. The goal is deep root growth. After establishment, they are quite drought-tolerant but will appreciate water during long dry spells.
Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. An application of compost around the base each spring is often enough to keep them thriving.
Pruning for Privacy and Health
Pruning maintains density and controls height. The best time to prune is late spring or early summer, after the flowers fade.
* Use sharp, clean hedge shears or pruners.
* To encourage fullness, trim the new growth by a few inches.
* Always prune so the base of the hedge is slightly wider than the top. This “A” shape allows sunlight to reach the lower leaves, preventing a bare bottom.
* Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches whenever you see them.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even tough plants can have occasional problems. Here’s what to watch for.
Yellowing Leaves: This often points to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil isn’t soggy. Sometimes it’s a nutrient issue—a soil test can help.
Leaf Spot or Shot Hole: You might see small brown spots or holes in the leaves. This is usually a fungal issue. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and rake up fallen leaves. In severe cases, a fungicide may be needed.
Winter Burn: In very cold, windy areas, leaves can turn brown at the edges. Planting in a sheltered spot and ensuring adequate soil moisture in late fall can help prevent this.
Design Ideas and Companion Plants
A skip laurel hedge doesn’t have to be a plain green wall. You can layer plantings in front of it for added depth and interest.
Consider planting spring bulbs like daffodils or tulips at its feet for early color. Shade-tolerant perennials like hostas, ferns, or hellebores make excellent companions in front of the laurels. For a textural contrast, try adding some ornamental grasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does skip laurel grow?
It’s a moderately fast grower, typically adding 1 to 2 feet of growth per year under good conditions.
Can skip laurel grow in full shade?
Yes, it is one of the best evergreen choices for shady areas, though it will grow more slowly and may be less dense than in partial sun.
How tall and wide does skip laurel get?
Left unpruned, it can reach 10-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Regular pruning easily keeps it at a desired height, like 6 or 8 feet for a fence screen.
Is skip laurel poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. This is an important consideration if you have curious children or animals.
What’s the difference between skip laurel and cherry laurel?
Skip laurel is a specific cultivar of cherry laurel. It’s generally more cold-hardy, has a narrower growth habit, and is better suited for hedging compared to the broader species plant.
Planting skip laurel against a fence is a project that pays of for years. With some simple preparation and ongoing care, you’ll create a private, peaceful, and beautiful green sanctuary in your own garden. The initial effort is well worth the lasting reward of your own evergreen retreat.