How to Prune a Leyland Cypress

Clean pruner blades to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Fast-growing Leyland cypress trees grow 3 to 4 feet in a year, reaching heights of 70 to 100 feet. To control size for use as a hedge, screen, or windbreak, or to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, the Leyland cypress requires annual pruning. The USDA Forest Service recommends pruning conifers, trees that produce cones, during the dormant season to minimize sap and resin flowing from the cut branches. Check with your local cooperative extension to learn the best time of year to prune the Leyland cypress in your area. Prune dead and diseased branches any time.

Things You'll Need

• Pruners
• Disinfectant

Instructions

1. Remove dead or damaged branches by cutting back to the healthy wood.

2. Disinfect the pruner blades between each cut to prevent spreading disease.

3. Prune overlong side shoots to encourage dense growth and to form the tree into an "A" shape with a wide base. Do not cut into the dead zone or leafless area at the center of the tree. New shoots will not grow from these branches.

4. Prune the leading shoots to 6 inches below the desired height. Do not trim the top of a young tree until the tree reaches the desired height.

Tips & Warnings

• Tree dressings or paints to cover the cut ends are unnecessary and do not improve healing.

• Call your utility company to trim trees interfering with power lines.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Leyland Cypress; Debbie Shaughnessy, et al.; May 1999
• USDA Forest Service; How to Prune Trees; Peter J. Bedker, et al.
• University of Delaware Cooperative Extension; Leyland Cypress X Cupressocyparis leylandii; Jay Windsor; October 1997
• South Carolina Forestry Commision: Leyland Cypress
• University of Idaho Extension; How to Prune Coniferous Evergreen Trees; D. W. McConnell, et al.; 1985