Bay Laurel tree that need trimmings

[Jeremy2014]

Hi Expert Gardeners
We had this lovely well gigantic now Bay Laurel tree which has not been trimmed for 2 years and has gone wild and big.

When would be the best time to trim it down so that it is decent looking this summer?
Should it be done by hand or can an electric trimmer does the job?

Many thanks,

 

[blup]

Either, you can wreck a laurel and it will grow back strongly.

Blup

 

[Keithmac]

I cut ours down to soil level and the bloomin thing grew back, ended up digging it out (that was not a fun Sunday!).

 

[Mr Chibs]

I cut mine (similar size) generally did it in summer, as I like working outside then. (Probably not right time)

I used hand shears and hedge cutters, and a bow saw... everything grew back a treat.

I did mine lollipop style by cutting off the lower branches and moving up yearly. so most of the growth was in the top third.
I needed A scaffolding tower/ladders to reach the top.

Bay leaf seems a sturdy shrub to me

 

[elisa123]

You can prune it whenever you like. A very tough shrub