I need to dig a whole for a post close to some laurel hedge which will mean cutting through some of the roots. Should I be worried and is there a best time of the year to do this?
The best time to do any root pruning on these shrubs would be during winter when they are not growing as vigorously. It won't really affect them much, anyways, unless you are cutting through the thicker roots near the base of the shrub.
Here is an article for more information on pruning these, which will also apply to any root pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/cherry-laurel/growing-cherry-laurels.htm
When is best time to trim a cherry laurel?
This is best done right after flowers fade, or early fall. Here is an article for more information on growing these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/cherry-laurel/growing-cherry-laurels.htm
This is one of my new cherry laurel shrubs, planted approximately end of May, beginning of June. It does get more afternoon sun than other 2. What do the brown edges on leaves mean? Not enough water? Thank you
Browning leaves could be environmental, watering issues, pests or disease.
This link will refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/cherry-laurel/growing-cherry-laurels.htm
Looks like Prunus laurocerasus cherry laurel or English laurel
Townsville, North Carolina USA or Townsville, Queensland Australia would help.
When is the best time to prune cherry laurel bushes (to maintain 3 foot height and about 4 foot diameter) as part of a few other bushes in the garden? If pruned in the fall, would any flowers be lost for the next spring?
As with most shrubs, it is best to prune things in spring. It is still early enough that they will be ok, so I don't see a problem with pruning. But for most thing, it is best to prune in spring.
Moved into a house with 2 of these plants in the yard. Smooth leaf, no flowers, no fragrance.
From the photos, I believe it is Carolina cherry (Prunus caroliniana) or possibly Cherry laurel aka English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus).
It will flower in early spring if not sheared.
https://floridata.com/Plants/Rosaceae/Prunus+caroliniana/89
I have had a laurel hedge planted by a local gardener - couple months ago. Not knowing much about gardening I didn't notice at the time that they planted it right up against the fence - no space behind it. Will it grow ok? Should I try to move them forward to give them some growing room?? Thanks for any replies!
That is very unfortunate. It will not hurt the fence, but the hedge will not like it too much. I wouldn't move them, since they are getting established, and now would be the wrong time to do so anyway.
The best thing to do from here will be to prune that side heavily, and keep it pruned so that it stays off of the fence. Eventually, you will have an area trained into an alley way. This will give it the best chance.
This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/cherry-laurel/growing-cherry-laurels.htm
Great, thanks for the help bushdoctor!