How Fast Does Cherry Laurel Grow? Growth Rate Guide

September 20 2026, by Andrew Norouzian, 7 min reading time

How Fast Does Cherry Laurel Grow?

If you need privacy fast, cherry laurel is one of the quickest evergreen options for Florida. In good conditions, it can shoot up 2 feet or more per year, which is faster than most hollies, podocarpus, and other popular screening plants.

Here is what to expect year by year, what speeds it up or slows it down, and how to get the most from your planting.

Note: This article covers Carolina laurel cherry (Prunus caroliniana), the Southeastern native most Florida landscapers mean by "cherry laurel." English cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a different plant. For a full profile, see our cherry laurel privacy screens guide.

Cherry Laurel Growth Rate at a Glance

Carolina laurel cherry is considered a fast-growing tree. Under good conditions, expect roughly 2 to 3 feet of height per year once established, with some trees growing faster in ideal soil, sun, and moisture. Growth is slower in poor soil, heavy shade, or drought.

These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Actual growth depends on the cultivar, the size you start with, and how well the site suits the plant.

Approximate Cherry Laurel Growth Timeline

Compact cultivars, like 'Bright 'n Tight', grow more slowly and stay smaller, so their timelines differ.

How Long Until Cherry Laurel Forms a Privacy Screen?

With standard spacing of about 6 to 10 feet apart, a row of cherry laurel often becomes a solid screen in about 3 to 5 years, depending on the starting size and growing conditions. Larger nursery trees at planting shave time off that estimate, while wider spacing or a stressed site adds time.

For comparison, Eagleston holly grows at a moderate pace, often around 1 to 2 feet per year, so it takes longer to fill in but generally lives longer and needs less upkeep.

What Affects Cherry Laurel Growth Speed?

Sunlight. Full sun gives the fastest and densest growth. Partial shade is tolerated, but plants grow slower and can get thinner.

Soil and drainage. It prefers reasonably moist, well-drained soil. Soggy ground can cause root problems and slow growth, and very dry, sandy, or alkaline soils can leave plants struggling or yellowing.

Water. Regular watering in the first one to two years is the biggest lever for fast establishment. Established trees are more forgiving, but they still grow best with consistent moisture.

Starting size. A larger tree at planting gives you a head start. Smaller plants often catch up, but it can take a season or two.

Spacing. Closer spacing fills in sooner, but plants compete as they mature. See how far apart to plant Eagleston holly for the same spacing logic, which applies here too.

Climate and location. Cherry laurel tends to perform best in northern and central Florida and can be less dependable farther south.

Pests and disease. Leaf spot, shot-hole disease, scale, and borers can slow growth, especially on stressed trees.

How to Help Cherry Laurel Grow Faster (the Healthy Way)

1. Plant in full sun, or as close to it as you can.
2. Check drainage before planting. Fill a test hole with water and see how fast it drains.
3. Plant at the right depth. Set the root flare at or slightly above grade, and dig wide, not deep. See how to plant a large tree successfully.
4. Water deeply and regularly for the first one to two years, and during dry spells after that.
5. Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, pulled back from the trunk.
6. Fertilize modestly. Get a soil test first. Overfeeding can push weak, pest-prone growth.
7. Prune by hand. Remove dead or crossing branches and shape gradually with hand pruners, since shearing tears the large leaves.
8. Stay on top of pests. Check leaves regularly and treat problems early.

Growing Fast Has Trade-Offs

Fast growth is the main reason people choose cherry laurel, but it comes with costs:

• Shorter lifespan. Fast-growing trees often live shorter lives than slower species, and cherry laurel is generally considered relatively short-lived.
• More pruning as it grows. A tree gaining 2 to 3 feet a year can outgrow its space quickly, so plan for the mature size, often 20 to 30 feet or more.
• Seedlings. Birds spread the fruit, so seedlings can appear in beds and along fence lines.
• Toxicity. The leaves, seeds, and pits contain compounds that release cyanide when damaged or wilted. They are toxic if eaten, especially for livestock, so keep cherry laurel away from horse pastures and be cautious around pets and children.

Cherry Laurel vs. Other Fast Privacy Plants

Growth rates are typical and vary with site and care. For more comparisons, see cherry laurel vs. viburnum and Eagleston holly vs. podocarpus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does cherry laurel grow per year? Often 2 to 3 feet per year in good conditions, though it varies with sun, soil, water, and care.

How long does it take cherry laurel to form a privacy screen? Typically about 3 to 5 years at standard spacing, depending on the starting size and site.

Is cherry laurel fast-growing? Yes. It's one of the faster evergreen screening options for Florida.

How tall does cherry laurel get? Standard Carolina laurel cherry commonly reaches 20 to 30 feet or more, while compact cultivars stay smaller.

Why is my cherry laurel growing slowly? Common causes include too much shade, poor or soggy drainage, drought stress, planting too deep, or pests and disease. Check these first.

Can I make cherry laurel grow faster with fertilizer? Some feeding can help in poor soil, but heavy fertilizing can encourage weak growth. Start with a soil test and focus on sun, water, and planting depth.

How long does cherry laurel live? Generally shorter than hollies and oaks, so plan for eventual replacement in a few decades.

Is there a longer-lived alternative? Eagleston holly grows more slowly but tends to live longer and needs less maintenance.

Get Started With the Right Screening Tree

Fast growth is great, as long as the plant suits your site and goals. Contact Flowing Well Tree Farm to ask about available screening trees and get spacing and planting recommendations for your property.

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