it appears the first was beaten back.. due to the walkway ... dont you think??

and if so ... it might take over the walkway if allowed to return to a more natural shape ...

i do agree.. i dont like the balls ...

ken

Where are you located? In my zone 8, pretty much any cultivar of English laurel (other than 'Mount Vernon') has the potential for much larger growth than those planting sites can accommodate. Even 'Otto Luyken', a supposedly "compact" cultivar, will quickly get to 5-6' tall (or more) and 10' wide. In that location, pruning is inevitable and I doubt you will be able to generate a more naturalistic form.

Of any, the plant in your second photo has the best chances of being able to convert into something other than a green blob. I'd start by cleaning out the base and beginning limbing it up into more of a tree form.

Perhaps it might be best to remove these beasts and replace with other, more interesting and potentially showier shrubs that are in better scale for the site.....something that does not require pruning into a green blob :-)

All you have to do is discontinue any pruning for density that may have been occurring prior to this time. However, as mentioned the one along the walk will then grow to obstruct it.

I'm an hour east outside Vancouver, BC., so zone 8?
I'm open to the idea of replacement, any suggestions on something with year round colour? Our winters are pretty dreary so signs of life are appreciated

thank you @gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9), that is a great list. I love that you can sort by size.