How often must one prune a laurel hedge? Is there an easy way to just kill it?
I am a senior citizen living alone. — V.B., Seattle M.B.: Laurel hedges need to be pruned at least once a year to keep them under control and twice a year if you want to look like you have total control. One trim in late spring and another in mid-summer should do it. Trying to kill and remove the entire hedge would be quite expensive and this is one tough hedge that has been known to come back from the roots. Maintaining a perfect landscape is overwhelming for many seniors, but others say that the physical labor is a form of exercise that keeps them active. (The best advice from my gardening grandfather is to break every big job down into small bits and do a just a little each day.) You might want to consider a lightweight pair of electric hedge trimmers, or just throw in the trowel and hire out the yearly trim. The non-profit group PlantAmnesty offers a referral service of certified gardeners, arborists and consultants and promises quality work at fair prices. Q: There are mushrooms
