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 pose 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
To help you decide if Leyland cypress trees will work for your yard, we put together a quick list of facts about this plant:
- Fast growing: Leyland cypress trees are among the fastest-growing evergreens, capable of gaining up to 3–4 feet in height per year under optimal conditions. This can make these trees a favorite for homeowners or gardeners trying to quickly establish a mature landscape.
- Low maintenance: These trees require minimal upkeep once established, needing only occasional pruning to maintain shape and spacing. Plus, they’re generally resistant to pests and diseases when cared for properly.
- Privacy screens: With their dense, towering growth habit and feathery foliage, Leyland cypresses form a thick, evergreen wall that effectively blocks out noise, wind, and unwanted views.
- Green year-round: As evergreens, Leyland cypress trees maintain their rich green color throughout all seasons, providing continuous visual appeal and coverage no matter the time of year.
- Salt-tolerant: Leyland cypress trees can tolerate moderate levels of salt, making them suitable for coastal areas or roadsides where exposure from sea spray or de-icing materials may pose a concern.
- Shallow roots: While their roots are not invasive, Leyland cypresses develop shallow root systems that can become stressed in drought or easily uprooted in high winds. For this reason, it’s important to plant these trees with enough space and provide consistent watering during dry periods.
Leyland Cypress Trees 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
| Specification | Definition |
|---|---|
|
Appearance |
Pyramidal and 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 a wide range of types, but prefer well-drained soil |
|
Lifespan |
10–25 years |
Leyland Cypress Trees Hardiness Zones
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone Map shows 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 the greatest growth from Zones 6–8.
How To Plant Leyland Cypress Trees
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 Leyland cypress trees, space them out by 6–10 feet apart.
Leyland Cypress Trees 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.
- Sun and shade: Leyland cypress trees flourish in full sunlight—at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can also tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: The soil must be well-drained, but other than that, Leyland cypress trees aren’t picky. They will grow in a wide range of soils, including alkaline, acidic, sandy, clay, and loamy.
- Watering: Water your Leyland cypress tree deeply and irregularly, about once a week, giving it about an inch of water total each time. As your tree ages, you can give it water less frequently. Do not use an irrigation system, because that can overwater your tree and lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: You should fertilize in early spring, before your Leyland cypress tree has new growth. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with an NPK value of 10-10-10. You don’t need to fertilize every year, however.
- Pruning: If left unpruned, Leyland cypress trees will reach great heights. However, they will maintain their pyramidal shape without any intervention. If you want a hedge of a certain height and to encourage dense growth, prune your tree annually.
Potential Leyland Cypress Trees Problems and Solutions
Leyland cypress trees are relatively low-maintenance, but are becoming increasingly prone to disease and insect infestations. Learn more about how to spot and fix potential issues with this type of tree:
- Canker diseases: Fungal infections such as Seiridium or Botryosphaeria canker can cause branches to turn brown and die back, often starting in the middle of the tree. To prevent and manage canker diseases, avoid pruning during wet weather, sterilize tools between cuts, and remove any infected branches promptly. Good air circulation and reduced plant stress can also help minimize risk.
- Root stress and blowover: Leyland cypresses have shallow root systems, making them vulnerable to drought stress and toppling in strong winds. To mitigate this, ensure your tree is planted in well-draining soil and spaced properly to allow root expansion. During dry spells, water deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture and stabilize the soil.
- Overcrowding: Because they grow so quickly and densely, Leyland cypresses can become overcrowded, leading to poor airflow and increased susceptibility to disease. Maintain proper spacing of at least 6–10 feet apart and consider periodic thinning or selective pruning to improve air movement.
- Browning or dieback: Browning needles and branch tips can result from extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold weather. Keep trees consistently watered, especially in the first few years, and apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture. In colder regions, consider planting windbreaks or placing Leylands cypress trees in protected areas.
- Bagworms and spider mites: These pests can feed on foliage, causing discoloration and defoliation if left unchecked. Inspect trees regularly, especially during warm months, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Hand-pick bagworms when populations are small to prevent them from spreading.
FAQs 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.