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How to select and prepare the area for bay trees

Bay Trees
Bay trees are versatile and beautiful. With their dark green leaves and herbal scent, these evergreen wonders are a great addition to any garden.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost, and store products out of the reach of children and pets.

What are bay trees?

If you're a gardening enthusiast in search of a versatile evergreen tree that can thrive in your garden, a bay tree is an excellent choice. This tree (Laurus nobilis) originates from the Mediterranean region, boasting beautiful, dark green leaves and an aromatic scent. There are several varieties of bay tree to choose from.

Bay trees are hardy and grow upright. While they can grow taller than 3m in a garden environment, they can be trimmed to your desired height. If potted, they will remain compact, reaching a maximum height of 3m. Apart from their dense foliage and glossy leaves, bay trees also produce yellow flowers and small black oval fruit.

Define Bay Trees

What are bay trees used for?

Bay trees are commonly used as topiaries for garden borders, hedges, or focal points due to their height and the ease with which they can be shaped through pruning. They are also ideal for livening up dull areas, as they can tolerate poor quality soil.

The fragrance of bay tree leaves also acts as a natural deterrent for mice and possums. For indoor use, prune a few sprigs to use as an effective natural repellent for moths and bugs in pantries and wardrobes. Bay tree leaves also look great as kitchen greenery, in a pot or as an arrangement in a vase.

Uses of Bay Trees

Bay tree leaves are a well-known spice in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. These aromatic leaves can be used dried or fresh in a variety of recipes, particularly in soups, stews, sauces and braises. In addition to their culinary uses, bay leaves have been utilised for centuries as a key ingredient in traditional medicine, known for their digestive and antiseptic properties.

Bay Leaves

Where is the best place to plant a bay tree?

Bay trees are remarkably adaptable, but they thrive in areas with full sun or partial shade. Once established, they are also tolerant of frost, drought and salt, making them suitable for many environmental conditions. While bay trees can grow well in most soil types, they do best in humus-rich, well-drained soils.
 
When planting your bay tree, it’s a good idea to mix compost and aged manure to give it the right nutrients to grow. If you’re planting in clay soil, adding gypsum can help break down and improve the structure of the clay.

Bay Tree placement

Ready to get started?

Learn how to plant and propagate bay trees.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.