Skip laurel trees are dense, evergreen shrubs that thrive in both sunny and partially shaded gardens. Also known as Schip laurels, these compact and low-maintenance plants are easy to manage and make an excellent natural privacy screen for gardens of any size. They bloom with delicate white flowers in the spring and produce rich, dark red berries in the fall. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to care for Skip laurels and the best conditions for helping them flourish.
Skip Laurel Trees at a Glance
- Make excellent privacy screens: With their dense, upright growth habit, Skip laurels are ideal for creating natural privacy barriers that block sightlines, reduce noise, and add greenery to property borders or outdoor living areas.
- Green year-round: As evergreen shrubs, Skip laurels maintain their rich, glossy green foliage throughout all seasons, providing consistent color and coverage even in winter months.
- Fragrant, white blossoms in spring: In the spring, Skip laurels bloom with clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that not only add visual interest but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, these shrubs are surprisingly drought-tolerant, making them a great option for low-maintenance landscapes or areas with inconsistent rainfall.
- Smaller leaves than other laurels give a neat, compact look: Skip laurels feature more slender, refined leaves compared to other laurel varieties, giving them a clean, tidy appearance that suits both formal and informal garden styles.
- Fares well in urban conditions: Their resilience makes them well-suited for city environments, as they can handle pollution, compacted soil, and other challenges commonly found in urban landscapes.
- Deer-resistant: Skip laurels are naturally unappealing to deer, making them a smart choice for gardens in areas where wildlife browsing is a concern.
Skip Laurel Tree Appearance
Skip laurels are smaller than other laurels, allowing them to create more neat, compact hedges when pruned. They naturally have a vase-like shape. Skip laurels grow to be 10–18 feet tall and 5–7 feet wide, with a moderate growth rate of roughly 24 inches per year. Their dense foliage is glossy green year-round, and fragrant white blossoms bloom in spring. In fall and winter, Skip laurel trees produce red berries that attract songbirds.
Skip Laurel Tree Specifications
| Specification | Definition |
|---|---|
|
Appearance |
Glossy green leaves that are smaller than other laurel leaves, making for a neat, compact look, with white flowers in spring and red berries in fall and winter |
|
Height |
10–18 feet tall |
|
Hardiness Zones |
Zones 5–9 |
|
Type of tree |
Evergreen |
|
Sunlight requirements |
Full sunlight to partial shade |
|
Soil composition |
Very adaptable, as long as soil is well-drained |
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones indicate the various regions where different types of plants thrive. The best growing conditions for Skip laurels are Zones 5–9, which stretches from coast to coast, covering most of the country.
Growing Conditions
Skip laurels are known for being low-maintenance, virtually hassle-free and able to thrive under a variety of conditions.
- Sun and shade: Even the best hedge plants can struggle in the shade—but not Skip laurel trees. This tree type flourishes in both full sunlight, or six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day, and partial shade. You won’t need to sacrifice color or growth if your plant experiences a lot of shade. Another issue with shade is that it can lead to increased susceptibility to disease and pests—Skip laurel trees are both disease- and pest-resistant.
- Soil: Skip laurel trees thrive in a variety of soil conditions. Their only true requirement is that the soil drain well. They do well in sandy soils, clay soils, and alkaline and acidic soils.
- Watering: For the first week after planting, water your Skip laurel every day, then gradually reduce to once a week or every 10 days. A good way to keep your soil moist is by applying a 3–4 inch layer of mulch.
- Fertilizing: You can apply Skip laurel fertilizer in the spring after they have flowered. They require a slow-release fertilizer.
- Pruning: Skip laurel trees do not require pruning, but they respond well to it. If you decide to prune, do it in spring after the tree has flowered or early summer. Keep in mind that pruning will get rid of the berries that songbirds like to eat, and take away their opportunity to nest in your tree.
Common Problems with Skip Laurel Trees
- Leaf Spot and Fungal Diseases: Skip laurels can sometimes develop fungal issues like leaf spot, especially in humid or poorly ventilated areas. To reduce the risk, avoid overhead watering, space plants adequately for airflow, and remove any fallen or infected leaves. Applying a fungicide during wet seasons can also help manage recurring problems.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or planting in poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, which can seriously harm the plant. Make sure your skip laurels are planted in well-draining soil and only water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Raised beds or amended soil can also improve drainage in problem areas.
- Scale Insects and Aphids: These common pests can feed on the leaves and stems, leading to weakened growth and sticky residue. Check regularly for signs of infestation, and treat with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil as needed.
- Yellowing Leaves: If your laurel’s leaves begin to yellow, it could indicate a nutrient deficiency or water stress. Conduct a soil test to check for imbalances and adjust with appropriate fertilizers. Be mindful not to overwater or let the soil dry out completely for long periods.
- Winter Burn in Cold Climates: In colder zones, Skip laurels can suffer from winter burn, where leaves dry out and turn brown due to freezing winds. Plant them in sheltered areas if possible and mulch the base to protect the roots. In severe climates, wrapping young plants in burlap during winter can help shield them from the elements.
Our Conclusion
Skip laurel trees are evergreen shrubs that retain their lush foliage year-round, making them a reliable choice for year-long greenery. Growing between 10 and 18 feet tall, they form an effective natural privacy screen that adds both beauty and seclusion to your yard. These shrubs thrive in full sun but also adapt well to partial shade, especially in USDA Zones 5–11. Low-maintenance and fast-growing, Skip laurels can add up to 24 inches of growth each year. Every spring, they bloom with fragrant white flowers that draw in pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bird
FAQ About Skip Laurel Trees
Do Skip laurel trees lose their leaves?
Skip laurel trees do not lose their leaves because they are evergreen, and their glossy foliage stays dark green year-round.
How tall do Skip laurel trees grow?
Skip laurel trees can grow as tall as 18 feet high. Due to the Skip laurel hedge height, they provide ample privacy in yards.
How quickly do Skip laurel trees grow?
Skip laurel trees grow at a moderate pace of roughly 2 feet per year. Fertilizing can support tree growth, but they have to be slow-release fertilizers.
Do Skip laurel trees flower?
Yes, Skip laurel trees bloom fragrant white flowers in spring, and they also produce dark red berries in fall.