Leyland Cypress Tree

The Leyland Cypress is known for its rapid growth rate. On average, it can grow about 2 to 3 feet per year. However, under ideal growing conditions, such as well-drained soil, adequate moisture, and full sun exposure, it can grow even faster, sometimes achieving growth of up to 4 feet per year. This fast growth rate makes the Leyland Cypress a popular choice for quickly establishing privacy hedges and screens in landscapes.

When planting Leyland Cypress, the spacing is crucial for healthy growth and development. Generally, it's recommended to plant them about 6 to 10 feet apart. This spacing allows enough room for the trees to grow and mature without overcrowding, ensuring adequate air circulation and light penetration, which are essential for the health of the trees.

If you're planting Leyland Cypress for a privacy hedge or screen, closer spacing (about 6 feet apart) can create a denser barrier more quickly. However, for a more open, natural-looking row or if individual tree form is desired, spacing them 8 to 10 feet apart is advisable. Always consider the mature size of the trees when planning your planting to avoid future overcrowding.

The best place to plant Leyland Cypress trees is in a location that meets the following criteria:

Full Sun: Leyland Cypress trees thrive in full sunlight, so choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Well-Drained Soil: They prefer well-drained soil to prevent waterlogged roots. Avoid areas with poor drainage.

Spacing: Plant them with adequate spacing, typically 6 to 10 feet apart, to allow for healthy growth and proper air circulation.

Wind Protection: While they are relatively wind-resistant, providing some wind protection, such as a fence or other trees, can help in areas with strong winds.

Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Don't plant them in low-lying areas prone to flooding, as Leyland Cypress trees don't tolerate waterlogged soil.

Consider Future Growth: Keep in mind their mature size when planting to avoid overcrowding as they grow.

Leyland Cypress trees are often used for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as ornamental trees, so choose a location that suits your specific landscaping needs while ensuring they have the right environmental conditions for healthy growth.

The best time to plant Leyland Cypress trees is during the late winter or early spring, typically from late February to early April, before the active growing season begins. Planting during this period allows the trees to establish their roots before the onset of hot summer weather.

However, if you're in an area with mild winters, you can also plant Leyland Cypress trees in the fall, preferably in early to mid-fall. Planting in the fall allows the trees to acclimate to the soil before winter sets in.

Avoid planting in the peak of summer heat or during freezing winter conditions, as extreme temperatures can stress the young trees. Planting in the recommended seasons helps ensure the best chances of successful establishment and healthy growth.

The choice between Thuja Green Giant and Leyland Cypress depends on your specific landscaping needs and preferences:

Thuja Green Giant:
Pros: Fast-growing, dense foliage, easy to maintain, deer-resistant, cold-hardy.
Cons: Slightly more susceptible to some pests and diseases.

Leyland Cypress:
Pros: Very fast-growing, dense screening, low maintenance, drought-tolerant.
Cons: Slightly less cold-hardy, can be prone to certain diseases in humid climates.

Ultimately, the choice may come down to factors like your climate, desired growth rate, and specific pest or disease concerns. Both are popular choices for privacy screens and windbreaks, so consider your local conditions and preferences when making your decision.

Leyland Cypress should be watered regularly, especially during its first year of growth, to help establish its root system. Here's a general guideline for watering:

First Year: Water deeply once a week during the first year, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Subsequent Years: Once the Leyland Cypress is established (usually after the first year), you can reduce watering to during dry spells or when the soil appears dry. Established trees are relatively drought-tolerant.

It's important not to over-water, as waterlogged soil can lead to root problems. Checking the soil moisture by digging a few inches down is a good practice. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Proper watering is essential for the health and vitality of Leyland Cypress trees.

Yes, you can prune Leyland Cypress. Pruning can help maintain the shape, size, and density of the tree, and it's often done to create formal hedges or screens. However, Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing tree, so regular pruning may be necessary to keep it in check. Pruning is typically done during the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning tools and avoid cutting too much at once, as Leyland Cypress can respond with vigorous new growth.

Several factors can cause Leyland Cypress to turn brown:

Drought Stress: Insufficient watering, especially during dry periods, can lead to browning of the foliage. Ensure the soil is consistently moist, especially when the tree is young or during hot weather.

Poor Drainage: Leyland Cypress prefers well-drained soil. Waterlogged or compacted soil can cause root problems and browning. Improve drainage if necessary.

Disease or Pest Infestation: Leyland Cypress can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests, such as canker diseases or spider mites. Inspect the tree for signs of disease or pests and treat accordingly.

Winter Damage: Harsh winter conditions, including cold winds or ice, can cause browning of foliage. Providing winter protection or planting in a sheltered location can help.

Overcrowding: If Leyland Cypress trees are planted too closely together, they may compete for nutrients and sunlight, leading to browning of lower branches.

To address the issue, identify the specific cause of browning and take appropriate steps to remedy it. Consulting with a local arborist or horticulturist can also provide valuable guidance for maintaining the health of your Leyland Cypress.

The Leyland Cypress thrives in a mild to warm climate with moderate rainfall. It prefers a climate with:

Mild Winters: Leyland Cypress is not frost-tolerant and does best in areas with mild winter temperatures.

Warm Summers: It grows well in regions with warm, but not excessively hot, summers.

Moderate Rainfall: Leyland Cypress prefers consistent moisture, so areas with moderate rainfall or access to irrigation are ideal.

Protection from Harsh Conditions: Providing some protection from strong winds and severe weather can help the tree flourish.

It's important to note that Leyland Cypress can be sensitive to extreme cold, drought, and high humidity, so the specific climate conditions of your area should be considered when planting and caring for these trees.

The inside of a Leyland Cypress turning brown is often a natural part of the tree's growth. As these trees mature, their inner branches may receive less sunlight, causing them to lose their needles and turn brown. This inner browning is typically not a cause for concern, as long as the outer foliage remains healthy and green.

However, if the browning extends to the outer branches or is accompanied by other signs of stress, such as disease or pest infestation, it's essential to investigate further and take appropriate action. Regular pruning and maintenance can help improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, potentially reducing inner browning.

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 30-day guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms and conditions. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 30-day guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.