Can I Prune My Bay Tree

Bay trees are large, attractive trees with dense, shiny foliage. Bay tree pruning is not strictly necessary for the health of the tree, but the trees readily accept light or severe pruning, including pruning bay trees into topiary shapes.

How hard can you cut back a bay tree?

Large bay trees withstand even very hard pruning very well including cutting back the main trunk, it’s difficult to permanently damage an established one. However they are well known for taking two or three years to get back into shape. Like many trees they are best pruned in late spring during a dry period.

How do I make my bay tree bushy?

Prune bay trees shaped into standard lollipops, spirals or cones in the summer. Cut new growth back to a bud to keep the plant’s foliage in the desired shape and encourage bushy, dense growth. In early spring, you can also prune out any shoots or leaves that have suffered damage in cold weather.