The Leyland Cypress Tree is one of the fastest-growing privacy trees. It comes highly recommended along with the Thuja Green Giant. Our Leyland Cypresses are grown from premium stock and are planted in some of the most exclusive communities around the country. These trees are a "must-have" for VIP privacy. You will love how quickly this evergreen fills gaps in your landscape. It will block out unwanted sights, sounds, and wind. Additionally, these trees serve as an effective windbreak for yards, decks, and patios.

These evergreens have a natural pyramidal shape and grow upright with a strong, sturdy trunk. Their rich green color complements any backdrop and surrounding area. Leylands are found all across the United States and are a genuine part of the Americana landscape.

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.

Plant your very own living fence! We have a variety of sizes to suit any budget.

How Do I Plant A Leyland Cypress?

Find a spot with well-draining soil that gets at least eight hours of sun exposure daily. Dig a hole that is 2" wider than the root ball and place your small tree in it, backfilling to cover the shallow roots. It's best to fertilize at the time of planting, and then once per year in the spring. You will need to water it thoroughly. Plan to water your newly planted trees every 3-5 days. Keep in mind that watering it too often can cause root rot, but not watering it often enough can stunt its growth, particularly while it is getting established. 

How Far From A Structure Should This Tree Be Planted?

Plant your tree at least 6 feet from a fence or building. If you expect to need access to the area behind your tree once it’s fully grown, allow additional growth space.

How Far Apart Should I Plant to Create A Privacy Hedge?

The most effective method is to plant your evergreen trees 3 feet apart on center. To determine how many trees you will need to create your living fence, take the total number of feet you need to cover and divide it by 3.

How Fast Do Leyland Cypresses Grow?

This evergreen is known for its fast growth rate. Once established, you can expect 3-5 feet in growth per year.

Looking for a privacy tree that is virtually maintenance-free? 

Like the Thuja Green Giant, the Leyland Cypress needs no pruning. Simply plant your tree and watch it grow. This particular evergreen variety is extremely drought-tolerant. In fact, it's grown in popularity, particularly in areas where water restrictions are in place.

Although this evergreen requires no maintenance, it does need some initial care. After you have planted your new trees, make sure you water them daily for the first week. After the first seven days, you can start spacing out the watering to every other day. From the third week onward, you can simply water as needed.

Planting

Make sure you are planting your tree in the correct hardiness zone. Find an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Then dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. Gently spread the roots out and backfill. Water your tree deeply. Your root collar should be about two inches above the surface.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your Leyland Cypress in early spring for the best results. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Fertilizing will increase the growth rate. It'll also provide nutrients that will have your trees looking their best, in health and color. However, if you don't fertilize yearly, your tree will do just fine without it.

Maintenance

This tree is extremely low maintenance. After initial care, the biggest hurdle with this tree is to help it grow in the way you want by pruning it. This will help guide the direction of the branches due to its rapid growth rate. Additionally, you can spray neem oil to keep bagworms away.

Privacy on Property Lines:

• Space out your Leyland Cypress trees 6-10 feet apart. If you plan on planting in a straight line we suggest planting 8-10 feet apart. If you would like a more natural look, you can stagger the trees, spacing them approximately 6-8 feet apart. 
• Leave room on the property line for the trees to grow. Don't plant directly on the property line because they will grow over the line onto your neighbor's yard. 
• For more color, incorporate other flowering shrubs. Plant them 6-10 feet in front of your hedge to create different heights and visual appeal.
• These evergreens make a great wind break. They are great options for rural properties and those surrounded by open fields in wind-prone areas.

Manicured Hedge:

• Plant your new Leyland Cypress 4-6 feet apart. As your trees grow, keep the tops and sides sheared to create a uniform look.
• This will create an instant privacy hedge or living fence fast.

Privacy for Pool Areas and Gathering Areas:

• Add a Leyland Cypress tree to any part of your yard where you need privacy. Look for the areas where you can plant 3-4 trees in a cluster to block out a busy road or a neighbor's house.
• These trees make a great privacy fence for pool areas, decks, patios, and gazebos.

Tall Focal Specimen:

• Leyland Cypress can be used as a focal point in almost any landscape design. Find a place in your yard where you'd like to draw attention and plant it.
• It's likely to be the tallest tree in the yard. In other words, it's the star of the show.

Leyland Cypress trees are the go-to tree for all your privacy needs!

For additional options, browse our Privacy hedge, Privacy tree and Evergreen tree collections.