The large leaves of Prunus laurocerasus make it a poor choice for sheared hedges. Also it is so prone to prunus shot hole fungus that producers in my area appear to be not making an effort to free their stock of it before shipping to retailers. Because I am now seeing it on just about all locally presented material. Even when it has clearly been recently delivered.

No deer issue. Ultimate height, about 8-9ft. The width can be up to 4 ft wide. Clay soil. A mix of full sun and some dappled shade. Pretty breezy spot. Must be fast-growing and easily sheared. It will be a backdrop to other hedges, small trees, and flowers. There's a neighbor down the street with a laurel hedge and it's perfect but I don't know the variety.

@Embothrium does shot hole fungus affect Centrecourt? I thought it only affected the English variety? Centrecourt is a Prunus caroliniana.

Anyone else able to weigh in on this? I'd love to make a decision on which to purchase.

I'd go with Skip laurels. That or Prague viburnums, but they'll take a lot of constant shearing to keep them dense. Can be done though.

Prunus caroliniana is susceptible to shot hole as well as English laurels but they - as well as the Skips - tend to be less affected by it than say Otto Luyken or the straight species.

I'd probably second Dave's recommendation.