is this how you cut back a bay tree

[scottishguy67]

ive cut below the part of the trunk that was dormant.
have I done it correctly or is there a special way to cut it to promote growth.

image attached

Thanks

[Nicos]

I've no idea how/where to cut back a bay tree- but I'm pretty sure that all cuts should be at an angle so the rain/snow doesn't rot it.

[scottishguy67]

thanks for your reply maybe I should cut it again at an angle

[Glutton4...]

Below the part that was dormant!? Do you mean the top had died? It's not unusual for them to suffer, and die off, but they usually grow back happily enough. Down here (East Anglia) in recent years they've had to put up with drought, hot summers and cold winters. Many many Bays in this area have suffered frostburn, windburn and sunburn. It's a wonder how they survive sometimes! You could always cap the cut surface with hot wax, like they do to some houseplants. That should keep the weather out!

[scottishguy67]

hi. the top had gone green where my neighbour had cut it back last sept.i now realise cutting this late in the year means it doesnt grow. so I cut below this part this month in the hope I could get it better looking than just a stump at the top .

[VirginVegGrower]

Yowser that's a haircut and a half. As Nicos says, angle your cuts always. Fingers crossed.

[Jeanied]

It looks like you need to trim up the other side branches now, to shape it a bit better. Bay usually comes back from quite severe pruning.