Wednesday, September 21

Leyland Cypress is also referred to as Leylandii. This is a fast growing tree and grows about 3-4 feet in a year. They can grow up to 50 feet in height and 15 - 25 feet in spread. They remain green throughout the year and they require to be trimmed regularly due to the rapid growth rate.

Leyland Cypress is quite drought tolerant and does not require a lot of water for growth. The leaves are soft, scale like and green in color. The growth of this plant is higher during spring and summers. Leyland Cypress also produces fruits which are oval in shape and brown in color during spring season. The plant can grow in most type of soils however; moist and well drained soil is preferred. The pH level required for proper growth is 6.0 – 7.5.

This tree has the qualities of a Christmas tree and is easily available in most wholesale and retail nurseries. Leyland Cypress grows in an upward direction and has a single stem. The branches are rarely visible due to its dense leaves. This tree has a long life which is approximately 20-25 years. They have no flowers and can grow at a temperature of as low as 7°F.

The fruits of this tree do not attract birds or wildlife. However, they are prone to fungal diseases like seiridium canker. Seiridium Canker is a disease which kills the plant from its limbs by slowly. It can be identified by discoloration and drying of leaves. To protect the plant from Seiridium canker it is advisable to spray fungicides during regular intervals.

Leyland Cypress can be easily spotted in many parks, parking lots and gardens. They can also be planted as a hedge plant for privacy. Leyland Cypress is very popular because of ornamental reasons and it is sometimes planted as a wind break tree.