Bay Tree Growing Conditions

Choose a sheltered spot protected from strong winds in full sun. If your soil isn't well drained, consider growing plants in 30cm (12in) pots filled with soil-based or multipurpose, (including peat free) compost.

How cold can a bay tree survive?

Bay is a half-hardy shrub or small tree that can tolerate winter temperatures no lower than 20F (-7C). In cold climates, bay is best grown in a container that can be kept indoors in winter.

Can a bay tree grow in Zone 7?

Bay Laurel is hardy in zones 7-10. In colder zones, it is very frost sensitive, but can be grown in a pot and brought indoors for the winter, or kept in a sheltered closed area where the extremes of the cold won't kill it. What is this? It can only take temperatures down to about 20 degrees F.

Do bay trees need big pots?

A 24-inch pot is adequate if you want a mature tree that is about five or six feet tall. But you could choose a tiny six-inch bonsai pot instead, and keep your plant pruned to under a foot tall. Another important factor to consider is whether or not you will need to take your container indoors in the winter.

Do bay trees need a lot of water?

Bay trees in the open ground should not need watering once established. In containers watering is very important but should not be over applied. Moderate and regular watering is ideal. Overwatering can cause root damage.

Are bay trees low maintenance?

Bay trees are low maintenance and with just a little bit of pruning in the summer it's easy to keep in good shape.

How do you prepare a bay tree for winter?

Bay trees like the sun, so make sure you have a sunny window that you can place it next to for the winter. Bays do best when they can stay outside as much as possible, so keep it outdoors until temperatures drop.

Can you overwater a bay tree?

Too much water for bay trees One of the most common causes for a bay tree dying is overwatering. This often shows up as yellowing leaves, and sometimes these leaves will go spotted before they become fully yellow. Once established, bay trees are somewhat drought-hardy.

Can bay trees grow in pots?

Bay trees can be grown in a container or in the ground, and are easy to prune to elegant and interesting shapes. They are most often grown outside, but indoor bay trees can succeed with the right levels of light and moisture. They can be grown from seed or cuttings, but take a long time.

Can a bay tree be planted close to a house?

Trees with lateral tree root systems, such as Moreton Bay Figs, have a wide root spread so they'll need to be planted further away from your home to avoid issues.

Are bay trees frost proof?

The frequently given advice concerning bay trees and frost damage is that they will withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) without significant damage.

Are bay leaf trees toxic to dogs?

In fact, bay leaves are considered to be toxic to dogs due to the presence of a substance called eugenol plus a number of other essential oils. According to the ASPCA, consuming bay leaves can bring on bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, and whole leaves could even result in an obstruction for your dog.

How long do bay trees last in pots?

Bay trees in containers can live for 20 years or more if looked after well, in open ground they can easily live for 50 years. So, they are a herb which is well worth taking a bit of care over. The glossy green leaves look superb and of course, they are used in a large number of recipes.

Do bay trees have deep roots?

Bay roots are shallow, but they grow wide. You'll need to dig out at least as wide as the plant's foliage, or further if you notice that you're hitting a lot of thick roots. Dig down as far as you continue to see pencil-sized roots.

Do bay trees have invasive roots?

Yes, bay laurel trees have extensive root systems that can be invasive. If you are planting a bay laurel in the ground, be sure you plant it a reasonable distance from your home or any other structures. Do not plant bay laurel trees near a swimming pool or sewer lines, or on top of a septic tank.

How do you thicken a bay tree?

To achieve a dense bushy hedge it is necessary to tip prune the plants on a regular basis. Unfortunately bay trees are not fast growing so it may take you a little time before you are able to achieve the desired result. Regular pruning will certain help to thicken up the hedge.

How do you keep bay trees healthy?

Container cultivation

1. Use a soil-based compost, such as John Innes No 2 or a soilless compost, with extra grit added to improve stability and drainage.
2. Water container-grown bay moderately.
3. Add controlled-release fertiliser granules to the compost or a liquid feed every two weeks from mid-spring to late summer.

How quickly do bay trees grow?

What is this? The Laurus nobilis, or yellow-leaved bay tree, can grow up to 12 metres in height and over 8 metres in spread, but is slow-growing and can take up to 50 years to reach its full stature.

Do bay trees deter pests?

In fact, the whole tree is disease and pest resistant and will protect other plants in the area from many insect pests. The bay tree has been credited with numerous medicinal properties over the centuries, but is probably most useful now as an oil that brings relief when rubbed into aching limbs and muscles.

Do bay trees stay green all year?

Bay (Laurus nobilis) is an evergreen plant, so it continues to bear glossy leaves throughout the year.