How to Prune a Leyland Cyprus

A healthy Leyland Cyprus

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The Leyland Cyprus is a fast growing evergreen tree that naturally grows into the classic “Christmas tree” shape. These trees rarely need pruning except to remove dead branches and multiple leaders. Learning the correct way to prune a Cyprus is a long-term investment in the beauty of your landscape.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Hand pruning shears for three-quarter inch stems
Loping shears
Rubbing alcohol
Long wooden stick (optional)
String

Step1

Inspect your tree. Look for problems like cankers and dead or broken branches. You should also look for multiple leaders (large vertical stems that compete with the main stem).

Step2

Cut dead branches back until you reach healthy branches.

Step3

Make cuts outside the branch collar. The branch collar is that bulging part of the branch between the branch and the trunk of the tree.

Step4

Angle your cuts from 45 to 60 degrees. Cut branches that are greater than one inch in diameter using the following 3-step process.

Step5

Starting from the underside of the branch, measure 12 inches from the main trunk and make the initial cut about halfway through the limb.

Step6

Make the next cut about one inch past the first cut and cut all the way through the limb, working from the top down. The weight of the limb should cause it to break between the two cuts.

Step7

Make your final cut just outside the branch collar. There is no need to apply a wound dressing to the cut unless you’re controlling for insect diseases.

Step8

Replace a damaged leader by training the uppermost lateral branch to grow vertically.

Step9

Attach a long stick to the damaged leader with string. Bend the uppermost branch and tie it loosely to this stick.

Step10

Prune any lateral branches beneath the new leader.

Maintaining a Leyland Cyprus is easy once you know the right way to prune.

Tips & Warnings

The best time to prune a Leyland Cyprus is from November through February.
When pruning diseased wood, disinfect your tools between each cut by wiping down the blades with rubbing alcohol.
A correctly trimmed tree adds to the real estate value of your property.
Avoid “topping” or drastically cutting off the top of a tree. Doing so decreases the tree’s ability to make food for itself.
Dull tool blades will crush, rather than cut tree stems.
Do not prune branches flush with the trunk.
Use a ladder and ask for help, when pruning larger trees.