By Lonegreve
umbria,
Italy 
the laurelhedge i planted by my house in umbria last fall are growing perfectly (more than 12 inches this summer)
as i would like it to become both high and wide i am in doubt whether to prune or not - and if, how much.
i am also considering giving it a bit of fertilizer before the winter - the fish and bonemeal thing will not work here - too many feral cats and foxes around - whats the alternative
thanks for any help
16 Sep, 2011
Answers
If you can get alfalfa meal there in Italy, that would be an excellent feed for Laurel, though you might want to wait until early spring. That's is also a good time to give it a light heading back, to thicken it up.
17 Sep, 2011
Don't fertilise at this time of year or you may get soft new growth that would be vulnerable to cold in winter. If you want your hedge to be green all the way to the ground you could gently trim the top to take out the growing points which will encourage side shoots.
16 Sep, 2011