Pruning Laurels

[yfs1]

I have some Laurels that I planted last year to eventually grow above our fence and provide more privacy.

They are growing fairly quickly but in every direction. I am just wondering the following:

1.) Can I prune the lower branches that are coming into the garden?
2.) If so, can I prune them this time of year or when should I to ensure it encourages them to keep growing up?
3.) Lastly, if I prune them right to the trunk, will they still grow again (eventually I want them to fill out a little) or should I prune them differently?

Again, my main aim is height right now. Then once they are at around 7 foot, I don't mind if they fill out a little.

Cheers

 

[bodgitandrun]

Hi not really up on laurels but as far as i know you can be a bit brutal to them but i would hold off on any really heavy pruning till early spring to give the plant best chance of recovering. I think a bit of light pruning lower branches is ok this time of year. they ain't like lleylandii which don't regrow if you cut back to dead growth'

cheers
rich