How Should Laurel Hedges Be Pruned for Privacy and Health in Seattle?

Laurel hedges are a Seattle favorite. Their glossy, evergreen leaves create instant privacy and beauty in neighborhoods like Madison Park, Ballard, and Laurelhurst. But without regular care, laurels can turn wild—becoming overgrown, spindly, or blocking views. 

Professional landscape teams understand that timing and technique matter. Pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears, is ideal for a big cutback, while light trimming after each flowering helps maintain shape through the year. Overgrown laurel can be hard-pruned almost down to the main stems; while it may look bare for a season, laurel is remarkably resilient and soon rebounds with fresh green foliage. 

Specialized tools—shears and loppers for clean cuts, with careful removal of brown, dead, or diseased wood—are used for a tidy finish. Landscape crews shape hedges slightly wider at the bottom, allowing sunlight to reach all leaves and preventing “bare ankles.” By keeping hedges neat, landscape professionals help homeowners maintain privacy, reduce street noise, and create a beautiful, inviting yard all year. 

Hiring experienced pruning crews means less risk of mistakes (like sunburned stems or missed bird nests) and ensures your laurel hedge stays lush, healthy, and manageable for decades to come.