Leyland Cypress
Growing Zones: 6 – 10
Growth Rate: 3 – 4 FT / Year
Mature Height: 40 – 60 FT
Mature Width: 15 – 20 FT
Growth Form: Tall Hedge or Tree Form
Foliage Color: Blue-Green to Deep Green
Soil Conditions: Adaptable to a wide range of well-draining soils
Recommended Plant Spacing: 5 – 8 FT
About our Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that’s ideal for creating privacy hedges, windbreaks, and visual barriers. With its tall, upright form and soft, feathery green foliage, it provides excellent coverage and a clean, uniform look across any landscape.
Loved for its rapid growth—up to 4 feet per year—Leyland Cypress is often the go-to choice when instant privacy is a priority. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to many soil types, making it a versatile option for residential and commercial properties alike.
Once established, this tree is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and resistant to most pests and diseases. Whether planted in rows or as a standalone accent, Leyland Cypress brings beauty, structure, and year-round greenery to your outdoor space.
Leyland Cypress Sizes & Prices
Choose the dimensions for your privacy screen based on your patience level and budget. Larger sizes offer immediate privacy but at a higher cost. Ultimately, all trees will achieve the desired outcome, so your willingness to wait is key.
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Watering Instructions
Understanding Watering Needs: Leyland Cypress trees require consistent moisture, especially during the first year after planting. These fast-growing evergreens need regular watering to establish deep roots, but they do not tolerate standing water. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot and ensure long-term health.
Soil Type: Plant Leyland Cypress in well-draining soil. While they adapt to a variety of soil types—including sandy, loamy, and clay—they perform best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. If planting in heavy clay, amend with organic matter to improve drainage.
Watering Frequency:
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Newly planted trees: Water 2–3 times per week for the first 3 months.
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3–12 months: Water deeply once or twice per week.
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After 1 year: Water during extended dry periods or droughts.
Check the top 2–3 inches of soil before watering; if dry, it's time to water.
Seasonal Variations: During hot summer months, increase watering frequency to compensate for evaporation. In cooler months or periods of regular rainfall, reduce watering to prevent overwatering and soggy soil.
Watering Technique: Water slowly and deeply at the base of the tree to reach the root zone. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are ideal, ensuring water penetrates deeply without runoff. Avoid spraying water on the foliage, as this can encourage disease in humid conditions.
Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture and poor drainage can lead to root rot and other fungal issues. If the soil feels consistently wet or you notice yellowing needles, reduce watering and check drainage conditions.
Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it 3–4 inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed competition—but avoid piling it directly against the bark.
Rainwater or Tap Water: Leyland Cypress tolerates most municipal tap water. However, using rainwater when possible is beneficial, especially in areas with hard or chemically treated water. Avoid using softened water that contains salt.
Temperature Consideration: Avoid watering during midday heat or freezing conditions. The best times to water are early morning or late afternoon for optimal absorption and to reduce evaporation.
Monitor for Signs of Stress: Signs of overwatering include yellowing or browning from the inside out, while underwatered trees may show dry, crispy foliage and stunted growth. Regularly inspect the tree’s color and vigor to determine if watering adjustments are needed.
Trimming Instructions
Timing: The best time to trim Leyland Cypress is in late winter to early spring, just before the growing season begins. Light touch-up trimming can also be done in mid to late summer to control shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or during drought conditions, as this can stress the tree.
Tools: Use sharp pruning shears, loppers, or hedge trimmers for clean, smooth cuts. For larger limbs, a pruning saw may be necessary. Always disinfect tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when trimming tall or dense trees.
Identify Areas for Trimming: Walk around the tree to identify areas with overgrown branches, uneven growth, or dead or damaged limbs. Also note any sections where branches are crossing, rubbing, or crowding one another, which can restrict healthy airflow.
Remove Dead or Damaged Growth: Start by cutting away any dead, diseased, or broken branches, making your cuts just outside the branch collar. This encourages proper healing and helps prevent the spread of pests or disease.
Shape and Control Size: Trim the sides to maintain the tree’s natural pyramidal form—wider at the bottom and tapering upward. This shape ensures that lower branches receive enough sunlight. Use hedge trimmers to lightly shear the outer edges, promoting a dense and uniform appearance.
Avoid Cutting into Old Wood: Leyland Cypress does not regenerate well from old wood. Avoid trimming too far back into brown, leafless areas of the tree, as new growth may not return in those spots. Always trim just beyond healthy green growth.
Promote Density: To encourage fuller growth, lightly trim new shoots and growing tips during the active season. This will stimulate branching and help create a thicker privacy screen over time.
Avoid Over-Trimming: Never remove more than one-third of the tree’s total height or foliage at once. Over-pruning can stress the plant and lead to sparse regrowth or long-term damage.
Clean Up Debris: Remove all trimmings and fallen branches from around the base of the tree. This helps prevent fungus, pests, and disease, and also keeps the planting area looking neat.
Monitor Growth: Leyland Cypress grows quickly—up to 3 to 4 feet per year—so regular light trimming every few months during the growing season will help maintain its shape and health. Watch for signs of stress such as browning, thinning, or pests, and adjust care as needed.
With proper trimming, Leyland Cypress forms a tall, dense, and attractive green wall that offers instant privacy, wind protection, and year-round beauty in any landscape.