Leyland cypress trees (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) are extremely popular evergreen trees known for their grace, beauty and versatility in landscaping With their soft green foliage, fast growth rate and attractive conical form, Leyland cypress are among the most widely planted ornamental trees across the United States.
This article provides a complete visual guide to Leyland cypress trees along with tips on how to grow and care for them. We’ll cover:
- What is a Leyland Cypress Tree?
- Leyland Cypress Tree Facts
- Advantages and Uses of Leyland Cypresses
- How to Select and Plant Leyland Cypress Trees
- Caring for Leyland Cypress Trees
- Pictures and Images of Leyland Cypress Trees
What is a Leyland Cypress Tree?
The Leyland cypress is a fast-growing coniferous evergreen tree that originated as a hybrid between the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Alaska cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis, formerly Chamaecyparis nootkatensis).
Some key identification features of Leyland cypress trees include:
- Conical shape with flattened, pendulous branches
- Soft, feathery green needle-like leaves that turn bronze in winter
- Attains a mature height of 60-100 feet with a 10-15 foot spread
- Long lifespan of 50+ years once established
Below are pictures to help identify Leyland cypress trees
![Leyland cypress hedge][Leyland cypress hedge]
Leyland cypress as a trimmed hedge
![Mature Leyland cypress tree][Mature Leyland cypress tree]
Mature specimen Leyland cypress tree
Leyland Cypress Tree Facts and Care Tips
Here are some helpful facts and care recommendations for getting the best results from Leyland cypress trees:
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Soil: Grows well in various soils from sand to clay. Well-drained soil is important to prevent root rot.
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Sun: Full sun is required, at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Avoid planting in shade.
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Water: Keep soil moist but not saturated. Water deeply once a week during droughts. Drip irrigation systems work well.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring when new growth emerges. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.
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Pruning: Can be trimmed as needed to shape hedges or screens. Avoid heavy shearing more than once a year.
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Pests: Spider mites, bagworms, cypress bark beetles may sometimes require treatment. Maintain health through proper care.
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Hardiness: Hardy in zones 6-10. Provide winter protection for young trees in zone 6. Avoid areas prone to heavy frost.
The Advantages and Popular Uses of Leyland Cypress Trees
The fast growth rate, versatility and year-round evergreen foliage of Leyland cypress make them ideal for numerous landscape uses:
Hedges and Screens
The dense foliage and columnar form of Leyland cypress make an excellent choice for privacy screens and boundaries. They can be trimmed frequently into tight formal hedges, or left to grow naturally into tall living fences.
Specimen Trees and Accents
With their distinctive pyramidal shape, Leyland cypress make impressive standalone specimen trees in the landscape. The bold form also complements other plants nicely when used as an accent.
Windbreaks and Noise Barriers
Planted in rows, the dense growth of Leyland cypress creates effective windbreaks to help block wind. Their density also helps muffle noise from roads or other sources.
Ornamental and Shade Trees
While thriving in full sun, mature Leyland cypress trees also cast useful shade. Their soft texture and graceful form add beauty as ornamental feature trees.
Selecting and Planting Leyland Cypress Trees
Leyland cypress trees are available at most nurseries and garden centers. Here are some tips for choosing and planting Leyland cypress:
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Select from a reputable nursery to ensure you get the exact hybrid species. Check for proper identification tags.
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Pick healthy, vigorous trees with good form and no dead spots or other damage. Check for a robust root ball.
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For hedges, choose uniform sized trees so the row fills in evenly. Buy multiple trees for wider hedges.
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Prepare a planting hole at least twice the width of the root ball. Set the tree at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Space trees 6-10 feet apart for hedges depending on your desired density. Closer spacing creates a tighter, more opaque screen.
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Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch around each tree. Continue regular watering while trees establish.
Pictures and Images of Leyland Cypress Trees
Below is a gallery of photos showing Leyland cypress trees in various settings and stages of maturity. These images showcase the grace and versatility of Leyland cypress in landscape design:
![Leyland cypress row][Leyland cypress row]
Leyland cypress planted as roadside trees
![Leyland cypress hedge][Leyland cypress hedge]
- Dense Leyland cypress hedge*
![Mature Leyland cypress tree][Mature Leyland cypress tree]
Mature specimen Leyland cypress tree
![Leyland cypress tree leaves][Leyland cypress tree leaves]
Close up of Leyland cypress foliage
Bare-Root 1′ – 1½′ $199
Unfortunately local laws prevent us from shipping this item to the following locations. AK, AS, AZ, CA, FM, GU, HI, MH, MP, PR, PW, VI
Guaranteed Healthy Delivery When you order trees from The Arbor Day Foundation, your order is guaranteed to arrive in a good, healthy condition or we’ll replace them at no charge. Your trees will be shipped at a suitable time for planting. Each tree and plant is guaranteed to grow, or we’ll replace it within six months of shipment. See details for more information.
Noted for its rapid growth and slender shape, the Leyland cypress has found wide popularity over a large range of the United States. It grows well in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions and makes an excellent windbreak as it provides a dense barrier with good color all 12 months of the year. It also beautifies the landscape around homes, across campuses, and in parks.
- Is fast-growing
- Provides excellent screen and windbreak
- Features soft, feathery needles
The Leyland Cypress Grows in zones 6 – 10
Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Drought, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Well Drained
This tree provides negligible wildlife benefits, but it does provide winter cover for songbirds and game birds.
The Leyland Cypress tree is a natural hybrid that came about when a Monterey cypress accidentally crossbred with an Alaskacedar at England’s Leighton Hall in 1888. C. J. Leyland, brother-in-law of Leighton Hall’s owner at the time, planted seeds from the cones of an Alaskacedar that was fertilized by the Monterey cypress. This produced a tree that exhibited amazing growth rates, vigor and an attractive appearance.
The tree—named after the man who first planted its seed—has found wide popularity because of its legendary salt tolerance, thriving where many other trees will not grow. It has also spawned a wide variety of cultivars designed to enhance its natural beauty.
When you order trees from The Arbor Day Foundation, your order is guaranteed to arrive in a good, healthy condition or we’ll replace them at no charge. Your trees will be shipped at a suitable time for planting. Each tree and plant is guaranteed to grow, or we’ll replace it within six months of shipment.
The Arbor Day Foundation is happy to provide a one-time refund or replacement per order under the following term and conditions:
Our trees and shrubs are living things. They need planted at the correct depth, watered and cared for in a way that is favorable to the plant’s health, and protected from the elements and animals.
We’re here to help and want to provide you with as many resources as possible to achieve successful planting and growth of your trees and shrubs.
However, to initiate your one-time free replacement or refund, please contact us. Upon submission, a request for s or documentation to support the claim may be required.
Promotional items not included. Please note, replacements must be the same root type as the original items ordered. Trees sent to planting locations outside the recommended horticulture zones will not be guaranteed. Bare-Root Tree
Bare-root trees are shipped without soil around their roots. They are shipped when dormant (sleep state). In this dormant state, deciduous trees may display small buds but not leaves. Roots will come coated in a hydrating gel. Bare-root trees require more attention and care initially to ensure they remain properly watered and protected from extreme weather conditions.
- Cost-effective
- Roots re-establish quickly once planted, meaning growth will begin faster
- Easy to plant at the correct depth
Potted trees are available in a variety of sizes. Because the roots are packed in soil, the trees do not need to be dormant for shipping. Potted trees often have a more established appearance with leaves and foliage, providing an immediate visual impact on the landscape.
- Reduced transplant shock
- Extended shipping/planting season
- Higher survivability
Which Tree is Right for Me?
With the option of ordering either standard or semi-dwarf trees and either bare-root or potted, be sure to consider the benefits of each option when deciding which is best for you.
- Also functions as a shade tree
- Can be planted farther from compatible pollinator
- Fills a larger space
- Easier to harvest fruit
- Bears fruit sooner
- Fits in a smaller space
Leyland Cypress Tree Photos and Images
FAQ
What are the downsides of Leyland cypress?
Leyland cypress is considered relatively pest-free. However, because of its relatively shallow root system, and because they are often planted too close together and in poorly drained soils, Leyland cypress is prone to root rot and several damaging canker diseases, especially during periods of prolonged drought.
What does a full grown Leyland cypress look like?
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.
Where is the best place to plant Leyland cypress trees?
Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. These trees tolerate partial shade but prefer full sun. Plant Correctly: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, place the tree, backfill, and water thoroughly.
How big will a Leyland cypress get?
Leyland Cypress trees can grow large. They can reach up to 40 – 60 feet tall and will spread 15-20 feet. These evergreens prefer full sun and will thrive in most soils and hardiness zones. Expect 3-5 feet of growth per year.