This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The best time to plant skip laurels is in the early fall or early spring.
This gives the roots enough time to establish before the stress of summer heat or winter frost arrives.
If you’re wondering when to plant skip laurels for the healthiest growth, these two windows are your safest bets.
In this post, we’ll break down the ideal seasons for planting skip laurels, how weather affects your timing, and the step-by-step process to get them off to a strong start.
Let’s dig into the details so you can plant skip laurels with total confidence.
When to Plant Skip Laurels: The Best Seasons Explained
Knowing when to plant skip laurels isn’t just about picking a random date on the calendar.
It’s about matching the plant’s natural growth cycle with your local climate.
Skip laurels, also known as cherry laurels, are tough evergreen shrubs, but they still need a gentle start.
Here are the two prime windows for planting skip laurels and why they work so well.
1. Early Fall Is the Ideal Time to Plant Skip Laurels
Early fall, roughly six to eight weeks before the first hard frost, is arguably the very best season to plant skip laurels.
The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth even as the air cools down.
When you plant skip laurels in fall, the roots get a head start without the pressure of pushing out new leaves.
This cool, moist environment lets the shrub settle in and develop a robust root system before winter dormancy.
By the time spring arrives, your skip laurels are already anchored and ready to burst with new growth.
So if you’re planning to plant skip laurels, mark your calendar for mid-September through mid-October in most regions.
2. Early Spring Is Another Great Window to Plant Skip Laurels
If you missed the fall window, early spring is your second-best opportunity to plant skip laurels.
Aim for late March to early April, right after the ground thaws and before new buds break.
The key is to plant skip laurels while the shrub is still dormant or just waking up.
Spring planting gives the roots time to grow in cool, moist soil before summer heat kicks in.
Just be aware that you’ll need to water more consistently through the first summer since the plant hasn’t had a full season to establish.
That said, with regular irrigation, early spring is a perfectly reliable time to plant skip laurels.
3. Avoid Summer and Late Winter When You Plant Skip Laurels
Summer heat is brutal for newly planted skip laurels.
The combination of high temperatures and transplant shock can cause severe leaf drop or even plant death.
So when someone asks when to plant skip laurels, the answer is rarely “mid-July.”
Likewise, late winter planting is risky because the ground is often frozen or waterlogged, and roots can’t establish properly.
If you absolutely must plant skip laurels in summer, do it on a cloudy day and commit to deep, frequent watering.
But honestly, sticking to fall or spring will save you a ton of stress and give your shrubs the best shot.
Factors That Affect When to Plant Skip Laurels in Your Area
Your local climate plays a huge role in determining the perfect time to plant skip laurels.
What works in Georgia might not work in Minnesota, so let’s talk about how to tailor your timing.
1. Hardiness Zones and Frost Dates
Skip laurels thrive in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.
If you live in zone 6, you’ll want to plant skip laurels in early fall to give roots maximum time before a harsh winter.
In warmer zones like 8 or 9, you can plant skip laurels as late as November or as early as February.
Always check your last spring frost date and first fall frost date before you plant skip laurels.
This simple step prevents you from planting too close to a freeze.
2. Soil Temperature Matters When You Plant Skip Laurels
Skip laurels prefer soil temperatures between 55°F and 65°F for root development.
You can measure this with a simple soil thermometer a few inches deep.
When the soil hits that range, it’s a green light to plant skip laurels.
Cold, soggy soil in early spring can delay root growth, so wait until the ground has drained and warmed slightly.
In fall, the soil naturally holds warmth, which is why it’s so forgiving.
3. Rainfall and Irrigation Schedules
Timing your planting around rain can make a huge difference.
If you plant skip laurels just before a rainy week, you’ll get free watering that helps settle the soil.
Avoid planting right before a heavy downpour, though, as waterlogged roots can rot.
In fall, natural rainfall often provides consistent moisture, which is a major perk.
In spring, you may need to supplement with a hose, especially if the season turns dry.
Step-by-Step Guide for Planting Skip Laurels at the Right Time
Once you’ve nailed down when to plant skip laurels, it’s all about proper technique.
Follow these steps and your shrubs will thank you for years.
1. Prepare the Soil Before You Plant Skip Laurels
Test your soil’s drainage by digging a small hole and filling it with water.
If the water drains within a few hours, you’re good to plant skip laurels directly.
If it pools, mix in compost or sandy loam to improve drainage.
Skip laurels aren’t fussy about pH, but slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0 to 7.5) is ideal.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
2. Plant Skip Laurels at the Right Depth
Place the shrub in the hole so the top of the root ball sits level with the ground.
Planting too deep is a common mistake that can suffocate the roots.
Backfill with native soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets.
Water deeply right after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.
Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
3. Watering Schedule After You Plant Skip Laurels
For the first month, water your skip laurels deeply twice a week.
After that, reduce to once a week, depending on rainfall.
The goal is moist, not soggy, soil.
If you plant skip laurels in fall, you can taper off watering as winter approaches.
If you plant skip laurels in spring, keep a close eye on them through the hot summer months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing When to Plant Skip Laurels
Even experienced gardeners mess this up, so don’t beat yourself up.
Here are the top pitfalls to dodge.
1. Planting Too Late in Fall
If you plant skip laurels too late in November, the roots won’t have time to establish before the ground freezes.
This leaves them vulnerable to frost heave, where freezing and thawing pushes the plant out of the ground.
Stick to the six-to-eight-week rule before your first hard frost.
2. Waiting Too Long in Spring
The opposite mistake is planting skip laurels too late in May.
By then, the heat arrives and the plant suffers from transplant shock.
Aim to plant skip laurels before they break dormancy or just as buds begin to swell.
3. Ignoring Local Microclimates
Your backyard might be several degrees warmer or cooler than the general forecast.
If you have a sheltered south-facing spot, you can push the planting window a bit earlier or later.
If you have a windy, exposed area, be more conservative with your timing.
So, When to Plant Skip Laurels for the Best Results?
The best time to plant skip laurels is in early fall, about six to eight weeks before the first frost.
Early spring is a close second, as long as you avoid frozen soil and late frosts.
When you plant skip laurels in these windows, you give the roots time to grow strong before extreme weather hits.
Avoid summer and late winter planting whenever possible.
And always consider your hardiness zone, soil temperature, and rainfall patterns.
By following this timing guide, you’ll enjoy lush, healthy skip laurels that act as a beautiful privacy screen or hedge for decades.
So get your shovel ready, pick the right season, and plant skip laurels with confidence.