[alandav]

Hi folks
I have a quick question regarding Laurel prunus rotundifolia as a hedge.
I have heard that the fruit may be dangerous to pets - is this the case?

I was hoping to use this evergreen as a dividing hedge between us and our neighbour. The fence is 40 metres long, so any idea how may plants I would need

Great site
Thanks
Alan

[cooler]

All parts of the Prunus laurocerasus "Rotundifolia" are very toxic to pets, including the fruit. It should be planted at around 2ft spacings. The plant is mentioned in this sticky, near the bottom of the page http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=204

A safer hedging with pets in mind would be holly or spotted laurel, only causing vomiting or diarrhea if the berries are eaten. You will find them in the above mentioned sticky as well.

[alandav]

Thanks a Million
Are there Laural (evergreen) hedges that I can grow that are not harmful to pets?

[GPI]

As mentioned above by cooler, try spotted laurel.
These evergreen hedging plants also have low toxicity.....

Euonymus japonicus (lower hedge)
Ligustrum (Privet)
Escallonia in variety
Viburnum tinus

Check out the thread mentioned above by cooler to see what they look like and to check their growth etc.
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[JennyS]

Quick question back on this one - what pets do you have?
I've a beautiful 25ft laurel in my garden, and the dog and cat have never had any interest in eating the berries as they seem to have a fair bit of cop-on regarding whats not good to eat.
Goats on the other hand will stuff themselves silly on things that aren't good for them... but I'd be more concerned about kids (of the human variety) giving the berries a quick try.
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