Leyland Cypress Tree – Growing and Caring for Leyland Cypress Trees

The Leyland cypress tree (Cupressus x leylandii) has become common in most homes and landscapes due to its dense foliage and tall structure. When closely planted together, they make perfect natural privacy screens and windbreakers.

This hybrid tree is a combination of Monterey cypress and Nootka false cypress. This fast-growing, evergreen coniferous tree can grow up to 70 feet high within a few years. Although it has an elegant appearance, it is highly prone to pests and diseases.

If you want to grow this tree around your home, here is how to grow and care for it.

Characteristics of Leyland Cypress

Leaves – Leyland cypress has soft, needle-like leaves that are bright green when young and deep green when mature. The foliage remains lush and vibrant throughout the year.

Growth Rate – This cypress tree grows rapidly, reaching a height of 60-70 feet and 10-15 width within a few years.

Shape – has a pyramid conical shape, making it perfect for growing along tight spaces.

Climate – The Leyland cypress tree thrives well in hardness zones 6-10 (USDA).

How to Plant the Leyland Cypress Tree

You want to grow Leyland cypress at the right time so it can establish well. The best time to plant this tree is in the early fall – when the temperatures are cool, so it has the entire fall and winter to establish its root system. However, plant 6 or 8 weeks before the first frost.

You can also plant your tree in early spring, during its growing season, to establish its root system. However, wait until the last frost so your tree isn’t damaged by the cold temperatures.

Plant your tree in a spot with well-draining soil and full sunlight or partial shade. Dig a planting hole two times as wide and deep as the root ball of your tree. This will allow the roots to spread freely.
Carefully remove the tree from its container and inspect the roots. Loosen any circling or bound roots, and remember to remove damaged or dead roots.
Next, place the tree at the center of the hole – ensure the top of the root ball is slightly above the ground. This will help reduce the risk of root rot.
Fill the hole with the soil while tapping down to remove any air. Add a layer of mulch around the base, 2-3 feet away from the trunk.
Water your tree regularly for the first year to establish strong roots. If you plan to plant a couple of trees, ensure they are 6 to 10 feet apart.

How to Care for Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypresses are relatively low-maintenance, as they can grow in different conditions. However, they need some maintenance to keep them healthy and thriving.

Sunlight

This tree thrives well in full sunlight, at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun exposure. They can also grow well in partial shade.

Soil Conditions

While the Leyland cypress trees prefer well-draining with slightly acidic to neutral PH, they can also grow in a variety of soils like loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, they should be well-draining to prevent root rot.

Watering

Water young cypress trees deeply and regularly to help establish strong roots. They take a few months to establish their roots, after that, you can water them at least once per week. Besides, they are relatively drought-tolerant, so they will still benefit from irregular watering.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your Leyland cypress trees in early spring before the new growth begins. Use a balanced and slow-release fertilizer (10:10:10). Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth due to excess nutrients.

Pruning

Prune your Leyland cypress in late winter or early spring before its new growth begins. This tree can grow very high, so to control its size, start pruning when it is still young and continue throughout the growing season until you achieve your desired size.

Leyland cypress trees look good with just a central trunk – cut away other competing trunks when the tree is still young. However, it can still grow with multiple stems.

Additionally, remove any brown or dead branches immediately after you notice them, as this can be a sign of canker disease.

Protect from Winter Damage

This evergreen conifer is highly prone to winter damage. During the winter months, the Leyland cypress trees may suffer winter burn, which causes browning of foliage. You can use a burlap to wrap your trees, especially if they are young or have been recently transplanted.

In addition, you can also spread a layer of mulch, wood chips or shredded bark at the base of the tree. Avoid watering during the winter months because the soil is wet to avoid root rot.

Protect from Pests and Diseases

The Leyland cypress easily succumbs to pests and diseases. The most common and serious insects for the Leyland cypress are bagworms, spider mites, and aphids.

Treat them immediately after you spot them because they can completely damage the foliage in just a few weeks. Spray the infected foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Leyland cypress is also prone to diseases such as canker. Canker is caused by Botryosphaeria and Seiridium fungi.

The fungi cause branch dieback showing dark, sunken lesions and elongated lesions on stems and branches respectively. Canker is caused by environmental stress such as drought or inadequate nutrients.

Additionally, root rot is also a common disease in Leyland cypress. It is caused by phytophthora and Armillaria fungi, which result from poorly draining soils and overwatering. Unfortunately, both canker and root rot are incurable.

How Tall Do Leyland Cypress Grow?

Leyland cypress trees typically grow to 60 to 70 feet—of course, in excellent growing conditions. In some cases, they have been known to reach up to 100 feet. Their impressive height has made most homeowners grow them for privacy screens and windbreakers.

How Fast Does a Leyland Cypress Tree Grow?

Leyland cypress can grow between 2 to 3 feet annually – under excellent growing conditions. This is the fastest growth among all evergreen trees.

Do Leyland Cypress Have Deep Roots

Leyland cypress trees don’t have deep roots. They have shallow roots that grow up to 3 feet deep. However, their roots can spread widely beyond their canopy drip line.

To Wrap Things Up

If you are looking to create a lush green haven or just want to make a natural privacy screen or block strong winds in your home or landscape, a Leyland cypress tree would be the best choice. So, whether you’re growing a single tree or multiple trees, this evergreen tree will surely enhance the overall appeal of your property.

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Mary

🌿 Hello! I'm Mary, the nature-loving soul behind Serene Eden. Gardener, plant whisperer, compost connoisseur, sun-soaked plant enthusiast, and avid bee-watcher. Let's cultivate beauty, one bloom at a time. 🌱🌼