How to Transplant Laurel Bushes

The evergreen bay laurel (Laurus noblis) grows as a tree or shrub. It can reach a height and width of up to 60 feet, but usually only averages 6 to 25 feet in the home landscape. Shorter cultivars also exist. The plant thrives when planted in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. It grows well when planted directly in the ground or when kept as a container shrub. The bay laurel bush tolerates transplanting and quickly establishes itself with proper care.

Shovel
Organic material
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a planting location that offers full sun or partial shade. Bay laurel grows best when planted in partial shade and makes an acceptable shrub specimen when planted on the north or east side of a home. The planting site should have well-draining soil that is rich in organic material. If possible, plant the bay laurel in a location where it has protection from cold winds.
- 2
  Dig a hole that is twice as large as the bay laurel bush's root system. Mix organic material such as peat moss, compost or aged manure into the soil in the hole at a ratio of 50 percent organic material to 50 percent soil.
- 3
  Place the bay laurel bush into the planting hole. Plant the shrub at the same depth it was planted in its nursery container or previous planting location.
- 4
  Fill the hole in with the soil and organic material. Push the soil firmly down around the shrub's root system to remove air pockets.
- 5
  Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch such as bark chips or pine needles around the base of the bush. The mulch insulates the bush's root system and reduces weed growth.
- 6
  Water the shrub thoroughly. Allow the shrub to dry out between waterings.

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