"Draven" wrote in message
k...

"Jay Hendry" wrote in message
. 143.38...
Hi

We have two laurels in our garden. Both have a reasonable "ball" shape
but
are getting a bit big. I'd guess one is 15' to the top and other is about
10' When we moved in last year we cut both back with a long pole lopper
doing a branch at a time - but it proved to be back breaking and slow.
She
who must be obeyed wants to keep the shape and I agree on that but I'm
looking for a less back breaking way of doing it

What do others use to prune these as they are broad leaved and would like
peoples comments on how they look if an electric hedge trimmer is used.

Many thanks

Jay

I use a petrol hedge trimmer or shears.
I have to tend a lot of Laurel and, for me, it's the only way to do it.
I agree that it's back-breaking work doing it a branch at a time (though we
have done that this year as we wanted to significantly reduce the height of
the hedge). In previous years we have just used a hedge trimmer like
Draven. The chopped leaves go a bit brown on the cut edge but new growth
soon covers it. I *know* that it's recommeded by all the gardening books to
do it with secateurs but, hey, life's a bit short for that IMO. In our
house it's normally a case of get it done whilst you can with a hedge
trimmer, or not do it atall (it took days the first time with secateurs!)

--Poppy