portuguese laurel

is there a good time to agressively prune a PL hedge?

 

Nothing should be pruned now, late fall (i.e. Nov.) or late winter (Feb/Mar) is best, though a hedge can also be done in late spring or even Aug. depending on where you live, the plant, etc.

 

I'd avoid pruning then, so as not to disturb any nesting birds

 

Late spring or early summer.