The Surprising Hack You Can Use To Save Money When Buying Bay Trees

Trained single-stem bay trees (Laurus nobilis) are a stylish choice that thrives in hardiness zones 7 through 10, plus they are a hardy perennial herb that can be harvested year-round. However, they can get a bit pricey in comparison to their multi-stem counterparts. Luckily, there is a simple hack to save you money when buying bay trees that will give your garden the same great look. Instead of buying a single-stem bay tree, which can cost over $100 per tree, you can buy a multi-stem tree for around $20 and split it into numerous trees. The process is actually pretty simple, and it will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. All you need is a cheap multi-stem bay shrub, pots to transfer your new stems into, some pruning shears, compost, and garden twine. In just a few simple steps, you'll have more affordable and stylish trained bay trees than you know what to do with for your doorstep or backyard garden.

Start by selecting a multi-stem bay bush with a few sturdy stems. Release the root ball from the container and separate each stem so you have individual plants. There are a few methods for separating plants from a root ball. You could shake the roots apart gently with your hands or two forks to detangle them until the plants are free. Or, you could simply cut through the roots with a sharp knife. You will want to make sure that the roots don't dry out during the process, so you should avoid doing it on hot, dry, or sunny days.

Once you have a selection of stems, you can begin repotting. Select your favorite style of pot that is large enough to accommodate a bay tree. Or, for even more money-saving hacks, skip expensive planters and use Dollar Tree items instead. Fill the container about halfway with compost or potting mix. Then, choose your stems, trim the shoots from the bottom section, place them in the pot, and fill in soil around the roots. If your plant had some thicker, stronger stems, you could plant a single stem in the new pot to create your own single-stem trained bay leaf. However, if you have several thinner stems, choose three stems of similar length. Carefully twist them together like a braid and tie off the top with garden twine. Finally, trim the top shoots to help encourage the plant to bush out at the head.

Bay trees are one of many varieties of trees that grow happily in garden containers. While they can be planted in the ground, bay trees are commonly grown in pots to bring character and charm to homes and gardens. As your tree continues to grow, you can choose to train it into different topiary styles. One of the most common styles is called the standard shape, which is the classic ball shape on a single stem. To create the desired look, trim the branches at the top of the tree to promote outward growth. You can trim back any stray shoots as the tree grows to maintain the round shape at the top and remove any lower shoots.

Another common shape is the pyramid shape, which takes more of a classical Christmas tree form. Ultimately, you can train the tree into whatever shape you want by clipping off shoots to leave the buds that are growing in the desired direction. You'll also want to make sure to remove any damaged leaf tips, especially if the tree stays outside during the winter months.