Leyland Cypress
The Leyland Cypress is a popular evergreen ornamental tree from the Cupressaceae family. It is native to the Pacific Northwest and is cold and wind tolerant. It grows to a maximum height of about 40–60 feet and 15–20 feet wide with an upright pyramidal shape. Fragrant blue-green leaves are extremely soft and lush in texture making it an excellent choice for property borders and windbreaks. The Leyland Cypress has a fast growth rate, requiring only minimal maintenance and shaping.
The Leyland Cypress tree requires consistent watering in order to maintain healthy growth and reduce the potential for diseases and pests. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening, when possible. During the summer, the tree should be watered about once a week, with extra water during prolonged periods of hot weather.
The Leyland Cypress prefers full sun and is quite tolerant of partial shade. While they will withstand drought, they have better growth and a better ability to withstand diseases and insect attacks when they receive enough light and water.
The Leyland Cypress tree is hardy to 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) and prefers temperatures between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius (70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s tolerant of cold weather and can handle temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Leyland Cypress tree is not very tolerant of high humidity. It needs to be sheltered from high winds and rain as it is prone to diseases if exposed to high humidity or frequent watering.
The Leyland Cypress prefers moist, sandy, and well-draining soil and needs regular fertilizing to ensure it remains healthy. It does not tolerate wet or soggy conditions, so make sure to plant in soil with good drainage.
The Leyland Cypress needs to be fertilized regularly to remain healthy. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer tailored specifically for conifers. Fertilize the tree in the late spring and late summer at the risk of overfeeding and burning the roots.
The Leyland Cypress tree can be susceptible to pests such as scale insects, spider mites, and aphids as well as diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and needle blight. To prevent infestation, regularly check plants for pest and disease problems. If there are any signs of pests or disease, treat the tree right away with organic or chemical treatments, depending on the severity of the problem.
Repotting is not necessary with the Leyland Cypress, as it grows very slowly and does not need large amounts of soil. However, if the soil becomes too compacted over time, it can be beneficial to repot the tree in fresh soil every two to three years.
Pruning is essential to the health of the Leyland Cypress tree. Pruning should begin when the tree is young and continue once a year in late summer or early fall. Pruning should be done with caution, since too much pruning can reduce the trees growth.
Mulching the soil around the Leyland Cypress will help to retain moisture and discourage weed growth. It is best to use a light-colored mulch (such as wood chips or bark) to reduce algae growth and to discourage pests like slugs and snails.
The Leyland Cypress can be propagated by cuttings or by layering. Cuttings should be taken in late summer and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in moist soil. Layering works by bending a stem of the Leyland Cypress and burying it in soil, allowing it to form roots at that particular point. Once the new root system is established, the stem is then removed from the parent and planted in its own pot.
Supporting the Leyland Cypress tree is not necessary, since its tall pyramidal shape will remain intact and upright even without additional support.
The Leyland Cypress is a slow grower and does not require a rest period.
The Leyland Cypress tree is not toxic to pets.