How do I Grow Leyland Cypress Trees?
The Leyland cypress tree is normally used in large landscapes as an accent tree, as a screen or formal hedge and its gaining popularity as a Christmas tree for its soft leaves. The average height of the tree is 50 feet tall with a spread of about 25 feet. Leyland cypress can grow 3 to 5 feet per year, isn't real particular about the soil and tolerates even severe pruning. Little maintenance is needed to grow this evergreen tree. Leyland cypress is hardy in USDA planting zones 6 through 10. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Dig a hole twice the diameter and just as deep as the container in which the tree arrived. Choose a location that has full sun, well-draining soil and is not under any power wires or close to structures. Keep in mind the size of the tree when mature. Plan to plant the tree in early spring.
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Clean the dug-out soil of all grass, weeds and stones. Mix one part compost to three parts soil to help with moisture retention and nutrition.
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Remove the tree from the container carefully and sit it in the planting hole. The tree should be at the same level it was in the container. If it is too low, add some soil to the bottom of the hole to bring the tree up.
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Fill the hole halfway with the amended soil and water to settle the soil around the roots. Continue to fill the hole with soil until it is level with the surrounding ground. Water thoroughly and add more soil if it has settled.
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Water enough to keep the soil moist for the first two weeks while the roots are starting to get established. Depending on the weather, this may be daily or it could be twice a week. Cut back irrigation to once a week for rest of the growing season. You may need to water more often if the weather is very dry and hot.
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Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer to the soil around the tree once you start to see some new growth and each spring thereafter. Follow the manufacturer's directions as to how much to apply per age and size of the tree.
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Prune only if you are using the tree as a screen or hedge. Once sheared, you should prune each year in the late winter or early spring to keep the shape. Leyland cypress does not need to be pruned for health or growth reasons.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cypress image by Przemyslaw Malkowski from Fotolia.com
