I plan on growing a Laurel Bay plant/tree this summer. Aside from the obvious, is there anything special I should know about harvesting the leaves.

This doesn't answer your question directly, but I have a tip on laurel/bays. Most guides to growing the plant indicate that full sun is required, but as habitat restoration workers in California will tell you (and me, from personal experience), young bays are vulnerable to sunburn if summer temperatures reach 90+ and there's no shade around. In nature, they tend to grow up near larger trees. Just a thought.

Laurus Nobilis, the plant that many love for its culinary leaves.
This plant-tree is frost sensitive so growing outside must be in areas that do not freeze, or grown in pots such as I do. The potted version will grow to about six feet high so it will require the appropriate pot. So thats the obvious.
Harvesting mature leaves can be done at anytime you wish, simply cut off a whole branch if desired or anywhere above a leaf node or harvest individual leaves as required.
The only precaution is not to removing too many leaves and reducing the photosynthesis capability. In the appropriate temperate climate the trees can grow to 60 ft tall so harvesting could be a little more difficult for the home gardener

Thanks for the information. I plan on growing it in a container, 'cause here in Winnipeg, Canada our growing season is short (3 months +) and I would have to bring it indoors in September. I have ordered plants instead of seeds to get a jump start.

Thanks Heather:
I'll certainly keep that in mind when I put my plant/tree outdoors. Although we get some very hot temperatures here in Winnipeg, Canada, 90+ is not that common for lengthy periods. Because I will be growing laurel/bay in a container I will be able to move it around should I feel it may get sun burn.

I hear you Bernie. I'm Ontario and grow my bay laurel in a container. Not to worry though about scorching in our climate. It wants all the sun you can give it. As soon as you can late spring, set that puppy outside in full sun and heat. If there's a risk of frost bring it inside at night. Hot tip that I've learned from hard experience.... when you bring it indoors in September try to give it southern exposure or the gro-light experience. It you have low humidity, spritz it with water regularly and make sure it doesn't go dry. Oh ya, and DO give it a soaking and spritz of Safer's insecticidal soap before bringing it in for the winter (otherwise you WILL be rudely surprised by bug infestations in the February time frame). Also, do not expect a lot of growth in the winter. They tend to go dormant without the benefit of full sun. A great Canadian source is Richter's at http://www.richters.ca/.

Good luck!

Thank you Judy. I'll follow your advice and that of the others, and I did order the plant from Richter's.