Leyland Cypress Tree

When it comes to effective privacy screens, Leyland Cypress Trees mean business! This popular tree’s rapid growth makes it one of the most frequently planted Privacy Screen selections on the market today, along with the Green Giant Arborvitae Tree. In favorable conditions, this cypress tree grows 3-5 feet annually! The foliage fills in quite nicely as well. So, when put together appropriately, you should expect it to form a substantial wall, impenetrable to the eye. Furthermore, evergreen foliage means that these trees won’t let you down all year long!

A natural columnar growth habit is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance windbreak or screen. In addition, Leyland Cypress trees excel at dampening street noise and will also filter out dust particles and pollution.

Feathery green foliage lays flat on individual branches and appears somewhat fluffy in the landscape. This soft texture comes through visually once nearing mature heights of 40′-60′ H x 20-25′ W.

It’s quite a drought-tolerant evergreen tree when established. Leyland Cypress is considered deer tolerant, as their rapid growth makes it difficult for deer to damage in the long run. However, young plants can still fall victim to hungry deer in the winter. They are also great for coastal exposure due to their high salt tolerance.

You can prune this evergreen shrub to maintain the desired size and shape; however, the rapid growth habit makes this somewhat difficult to maintain very structured trimming.

Leyland Cypress Tree Care

Hardy from USDA Zones 6-10.

Plant in Full Sun for best results.

Leyland Cypresses are tolerant of most soil types, even clay. However, well-draining soil will help ensure your plant avoids root rot.

Water your Leyland cypress tree 2-3 times per week after planting. This watering schedule will help it to develop deep roots and allow it to support rapid growth.

Fertilize new plantings in early spring with a balanced nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote new growth.

How to Plant:

1. Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This will make it easier for the roots to spread out.
2. Mix your native soil with gardening soil to provide extra nutrients, this step isn’t 100% necessary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
3. Backfill the hole with the soil mixture and top with 3-4 inches of mulch to help retain moisture.
4. Soak the plant after planting to hydrate the roots and help the soil settle.

Leyland Cypress Tree Spacing Recommendations

Spacing Leyland cypress can be tricky. Plant Leyland Cypress too close, and you’ll have a quick hedge or screen, but they can damage each other as they grow older. So 8-10 feet apart is generally the best practice for a privacy hedge or privacy screen. However, if you want them to grow freely and to their maximum height, 20-25 feet apart is more appropriate. Check out this blog post on Planting Hedges and Screens for additional reading on planting fast-growing trees like these.

Why Shop Online with PlantsbyMail.com?

We have Leyland cypress trees for sale year-round. We get that sometimes it can be nerve-wracking buying plants online. Fortunately, we carefully select healthy trees that are well-established and ready to take off in your landscape. You can rest easy knowing that our stock is fresh and securely shipped to your front door. Our plants are always potted and never shipped bare-root. If you have an issue with your plant, bring it to us, and we’ll make sure we do whatever we can to make it right.