Bay tree maze

Leanne Willars asked 14 years ago

I am planning a small bay tree maze as a feature in my kitchen garden. I have read that if left to grow up to 12 metres, bays will take all the nutrients out of the soils, but I am wondering, if kept well-pruned, do you think it will be alright and leave enough nutrients for vegetables?Would it be a better idea to mix bay trees with other plants? If so, what would you recommend?

1 Answers

Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
Bay tree could be used as a hedge or maze but it is vigorous and the height would need to be up to two metres. It does not bear very tight clipping and needs to be that height, but at that height it will cause some competition to vegetables in an area within a couple of metres.

Bay suffers from some specific pests and diseases that can make it unsightly. So it is not all that suitable for a maze.

You might be better with a low maze, such as lavender, which is less competitive and needs less space and clipping. It needs well drained soil. Or sage would be okay as a clipped maze. Neither of these are long-lived but are quick to establish and easily taken out, and replaced, if desired. 

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