We planted these 9 cherry laurels behind our pool earlier this year in Austin and now that we're getting close to winter, what's the best way to protect these from freezing weather? They've grown a bit since this picture was taken so they're about 5.5' tall now.

I have no knowledge specific to cherry laurels, but I wouldn't worry unless we have sustained temperatures in the 20s or even longer of sustained freezing temps. If we do, I'd throw plastic drop cloth over it and maybe some incandescent Christmas lights under the plastic.

ETA: that fence along with the neighboring houses and trees will mean that wind is not a big factor so I really don't think you have a ton to worry about barring a Snowpaclypse.

I use 4 old car covers to cover my bushes and peach tree. I wouldn't use plastic. With a large cover you could probably cover 4 of them.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Budge-Basic-Car-Cover-Basic-Indoor-Protection-for-Cars-Multiple-Sizes-Fits-select-1986-2011-MERCURY-GRAND-MARQUIS-1992-2003-FORD-CROWN-VICTORIA/16817263?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=4538&adid=2222222227716817263_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-306310554666&wl5=9027658&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=16817263&wl13=4538&veh=sem_LIA&gclsrc=aw.ds&&adid=2222222223716817263_117755028669_12420145346&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-306310554666&wl5=9027658&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=16817263&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnOipBhBQEiwACyGLul2prsCH5AvdQFvJVwsYnAd7b5du0I7qOcud9YfOUcuhGOXrQNmHSBoCdS0QAvD_BwE

Great idea thanks! Much cheaper than buying 9 tree/bush covers on Amazon ha

Look up row covers on Amazon. You can get them in many sizes. They probably have one that you could bet all four under. Hopefully we don't need them!

Yeah those too ^. Main thing is that you want to create a seal between the cover and the ground, so the ground heat will be sealed in. You'll probably still get some upper frost damage, but that's no big deal. I use 3 strands of C9 lights around my peach tree (under the cover) and it stays nice and toasty in there.

I thought this was some kind of Skinemax topic.

I have a dozen or so strings of the christmas lights, the bigger bulbs work too, and I wrap those in along with the frost covers. Usually have really good luck with that set up as long as we don't have snowmagedon again.

instead of christmas lights, i use this which is built to make heat. I wrap the base of my trees in this and then put a few plant covers on top and thats it...

https://a.co/d/ebLjP1m

https://a.co/d/5VVwSCf

Foamcows said:

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instead of christmas lights, i use this which is built to make heat. I wrap the base of my trees in this and then put a few plant covers on top and thats it...

https://a.co/d/ebLjP1m

https://a.co/d/5VVwSCf

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Cool I may pick up one of those heating cables, sure would be less hassle.

i would do one cable per tree, and 2 covers per tree to help retain the heat.

Only other thing to think about is youll need to figure out extension cords and power distribution as when it freezes it usually rains as well. This is what i used to waterproof the connections.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/CordSafe-Extension-Cord-Plug-Protector-Safety-Cover-Water-Resistant-Outdoor-Prevents-Tripping-Keep-Cords-Connected-Black-1-Pack-2660/323152388?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D27-027_003_EXTCORD_SURG-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-4035595-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-PL3_PMax&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D27-027_003_EXTCORD_SURG-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-4035595-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-PL3_PMax-71700000103108864--&gclid=CjwKCAjwv-2pBhB-EiwAtsQZFGVJsL8zXvVndk6guX2KePFICOBMfRMf6ECQt6eCfXaW_nKUCeYC3RoCOUIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

N. Sperry & S.Richter advice & recently on radio

A "tent"/plastic that tries to avoid touching the plant
bottom is sealed the the (warming) earth below
no wind penetration - weights & stakes might be needed.

Other landscape experts will suggest string lights C7 or C9 but
this applies to severe & long term cold spells.

Don't believe me, research those guys that are published for better details.