Bay Trees

Bay Trees FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Bay Trees in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to plant Bay Trees

The best time to plant bay trees is in the spring or early summer when the risk of frost has passed, allowing the young trees to establish themselves during the warmer months. Planting during this period gives the bay tree ample time to develop a strong root system before the onset of winter. Choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Regular watering is essential during the initial stages after planting to support healthy growth. By planting bay trees at the right time, you ensure their successful establishment and long-term vitality in your garden.

How to Plant Bay Trees

To plant bay trees, begin by selecting a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the tree. Before placing the tree in the hole, gently loosen the roots and position it so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the tree. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the trunk. Regularly water the bay tree during dry spells, especially in its first year of growth, and avoid overwatering. With proper care and maintenance, bay trees will establish well and provide year-round greenery and aromatic leaves for culinary use.

How long do Bay Trees take to grow

Bay trees typically grow at a moderate pace, taking about 5 to 10 years to reach their mature height of around 7 to 12 metres (23 to 40 feet), depending on the growing conditions and variety. Young bay trees may grow approximately 30-60cm (12-24 inches) per year under optimal circumstances, including fertile, well-drained soil and regular watering. Pruning can help shape the tree and promote denser foliage. With their attractive, evergreen leaves and slow, steady growth, bay trees are a rewarding addition to gardens, providing both ornamental value and practical culinary use with their aromatic leaves.

Why Grow Bay Trees?

Growing bay trees offers a range of benefits, making them a popular choice for gardeners. Beyond their ornamental value with glossy, aromatic leaves that provide year-round greenery, bay trees are also prized for their culinary use. The leaves add a distinctive flavour to a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and marinades, making them a versatile herb in the kitchen. Additionally, bay trees are relatively low maintenance once established, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, adding a Mediterranean touch to gardens, patios, or balconies. With their resilience to pests and diseases and their ability to thrive in different climates, bay trees are a practical and rewarding choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Where can you grow Bay Trees?

Bay trees can be grown in a variety of settings, making them adaptable to different garden and landscape designs. They thrive in well-drained soil that is fertile and slightly acidic, ideally in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Bay trees are well-suited for both gardens and containers, making them versatile additions to urban balconies, patios, or courtyards where they can be pruned to maintain a compact size. In gardens, they can serve as attractive ornamental trees or hedging, providing year-round greenery and the aromatic benefit of their leaves for culinary use. Bay trees also tolerate coastal conditions reasonably well, making them suitable for gardens near the sea. Their ability to withstand pruning and shaping makes them versatile for creating formal or informal garden structures, enhancing both aesthetic and practical aspects of outdoor spaces.

Why Buy Bay Trees from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Bay Trees and other plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.