Everything You Need To Know about Leyland Cypress Trees
Leyland cypress trees are fast-growing and lush with blue-green foliage. These trees keep their needled leaves all year, creating a natural privacy screen when planted close together. Although they’re easy to maintain, pests and disease can sometimes be a problem. Below, we’ll cover how to grow and care for Leyland cypress trees and what steps you can take to protect them from disease and insect infestations.
Leyland Cypress Trees at a Glance
Appearance
Leyland cypress trees grow in a pyramidal, conical shape with flattened sprays of bluish-green, needled leaves.
They grow to an impressive height of 40–60 feet if not pruned down, with a spread of 15–20 feet. Growing 3 feet or more by their second year, Leyland cypress trees achieve this great height quickly.
Leyland Cypress Tree Specifications
Appearance |
Pyramidal/conical shape with needled, bluish-green leaves |
Height |
40–60 feet |
Hardiness Zones |
Zones 6–10 |
Type of tree |
Evergreen conifer |
Sunlight requirements |
Full sunlight to partial shade |
Soil composition |
Adaptable to wide range, prefer well-drained |
Lifespan |
10–25 years |
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones show the best regions to grow various types of plants. Leyland cypress trees thrive in Zones 6–10, across a large swath of the country from the West Coast to the East Coast, with greatest growth from Zones 6–8.
Planting
The best time to plant your tree is during its dormancy in mid-fall. Plant your Leyland cypress tree in an area with well-drained soil that receives full sunlight to partial shade. Don’t plant your tree directly on the property line, because this fast-growing, massive tree can grow onto your neighbor’s property.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. You want to plant the tree so that is even with the surrounding soil. Gently tease the roots of the tree before you place it in the hole to encourage the roots to grow outward. Backfill the hole with the soil you dug out, and create a ring of mulch around the tree, not letting it touch the trunk. Water your tree every day for one week, then water every other day. By the third week, you can water as needed.
Quick Tip
- If you plant multiple trees, space them out 6–10 feet apart.
Growing Conditions
Leyland cypress trees have a reputation for being low-maintenance, as they’re adaptable to a range of sunlight and soil conditions. They don’t even need pruning, unless you want to achieve a specific, consistent height.
Additional Care
Leyland cypress trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they’re becoming increasingly prone to disease and insect infestations. If you’re wondering how to keep your Leyland cypress tree healthy, follow the tips below:
- Consult an arborist when you notice signs of an insect infestation, such as off-colors, slow growth, fine webbing on branches, and dead branches.
- Irrigate Leyland cypress trees during semi-drought conditions, watering close to the base to keep the branches dry.
- Plant trees with enough space between them to maintain air flow so that they don’t get stressed as they grow.
- Prune diseased branches immediately, about 3–4 inches below the sick tissue, and sterilize pruning tools after use.
- Surround your trees with mulch to at least the drip line to reduce water evaporation.
- Use fertilization sparingly to avoid disease.
FAQ About Leyland Cypress Trees
How far apart should you plant Leyland cypress trees?
To give them adequate room to grow, you should plant Leyland cypress trees at least 6–10 feet apart.
When is the best time to plant Leyland cypress trees?
Plant your Leyland cypress tree in mid-fall when it is dormant.
How long do Leyland cypress trees live?
Leyland cypress trees live about 10–25 years.
Do Leyland cypress trees have invasive roots?
Leyland cypress trees have a shallow, non-invasive root system.
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