How Far Apart Should I Plant Sweet Bay Laurels to Use as a Screen?

Question

How far apart should I plant sweet bay laurels to use as a screen?

Answer 1

Sweet Bay is slow growing to 12-15 feet wide. I tell customers that if they cannot wait for the screen to mature to size naturally, plant on spacing for one half the expected width, then cut every other plant out when they touch. For instance: Sweet Bay should be planted on 12 foot centers. If you want a fast screen, plant on 6 foot centers and when they touch, cut out every other sweet bay. IF, you have room, plant 2 rows, 15feet apart and stagger (zig-zag) your plants. That way, you won’t have to remove any, and all will have enough room!