When should I prune bay trees?

Bay leaf trees should be pruned twice per year. Owners should prune their bay trees in April and in August. Bay trees are likely to experience browning of their foliage during the winter months; the April pruning should get rid of untidy growth and brown leaves.

Owners can also shape their bay trees in the spring. The August pruning should bring the tree back to its shape. If pruning of the bay tree is done later than August, the tree's dormant stage sets in, and there is no time for new growth. A light pruning in August allows the tree to display fresh, full leaves during the fall and winter.