Also known as Cherry Laurel, English Laurel, or Common Cherry Laurel, the Prunus laurocerasus is a robust, evergreen standard tree prized for its dense foliage, fast growth, and year-round coverage. With its glossy green leaves and natural screening ability, it's a reliable choice for privacy planting, formal landscaping, or as a structural focal point.
At Tree Heritage Nursery, we supply Common Laurel standard trees in a variety of sizes: 10–12 cm, 14–16 cm, and 18–20 cm.
Growing Conditions
Common Laurel is highly adaptable, thriving in most soil types including clay, chalk, loam, and sandy soils, provided they are moist but well-drained. It tolerates full sun to deep shade and performs well in both urban and rural environments. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and resilient against pollution and wind.
Where to Position It
Ideal for hedging, screens, or as a standalone specimen, this versatile tree brings structure and greenery to gardens year-round. Its naturally dense habit makes it especially effective in noise or wind reduction and for creating privacy in overlooked spaces.
Foliage, Flowers & Fruit
Common Laurel features large, glossy green leaves that form a dense, evergreen canopy. In spring, it produces upright spikes of fragrant white flowers, which are followed by small red berries that ripen to black in autumn, a seasonal treat for birds and other wildlife. The rich foliage offers an attractive backdrop for seasonal planting schemes.
Size & Growth
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Ultimate Height: Up to 8 metres
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Ultimate Spread: Up to 8 metres
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Time to Ultimate Height: 20–50 years
Delivery — By Our Own Team
Standard and pleached trees are too tall for courier pallets, so our own team delivers them:
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£55 — within 18.6 miles (30 km) of our Hertford nursery
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£105 — 18.6–46.6 miles (30–75 km)
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£250 — 46.6–205 miles (75–330 km)
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£400 — 205–329 miles (330–530 km)
Oversized trees are delivered within a 4-week window and we’ll agree the date with you. Scotland or beyond 329 miles: please contact us for a quote before ordering. Select your distance band at checkout — we confirm by postcode before dispatch.
Plant Now or Reserve for Autumn
We deliver all year round — our container-grown stock can be planted in any season (summer planting just needs committed watering). Prefer to plant in autumn, when establishment is easiest? Order now and add a note at checkout — we’ll reserve your plants and deliver when you’re ready.
Planting & Aftercare
Every order includes our planting and establishment notes. The single biggest factor in success is water: new plants need generous, regular watering through their first two growing seasons. Follow the guide and your plants will establish strongly — and we’re on the end of the phone if you need us.
Why Tree Heritage
We’re a working nursery in Hertfordshire, not a reseller. Every plant is selected, grown on and quality-checked by our own team before it leaves the nursery.