Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii, commonly listed as Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing evergreen prized for its dense foliage, tall pyramidal habit, and ability to create privacy quickly. Growing approximately 40-60 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide at maturity, it forms a large, dense evergreen screen that provides excellent year-round coverage.
Its soft, feathery foliage maintains an attractive medium to dark green color throughout the year. Under favorable growing conditions, Leyland Cypress can grow approximately 2-3 feet or more per year, making it one of the fastest options for establishing a tall privacy screen.
Leyland Cypress is an excellent choice for large property lines, privacy screens, windbreaks, and evergreen borders where adequate space is available. Because of its rapid growth and substantial mature size, proper spacing and site selection are important for long-term plant health.
More About Leyland Cypress
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Low Maintenance When Properly Sited
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Very Fast Growing
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Evergreen
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Year-Round Privacy
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Privacy Screen, Property Line, Windbreak, Evergreen Border
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Tall, Dense Pyramidal Habit
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Soft, Feathery Foliage
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Excellent for Large Privacy Screens
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Salt Tolerant
Height: 40-60 Feet
Spread: 15-20 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
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Season of Interest: Year Round
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Soil Moisture: Average, Well Draining
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Attributes: Evergreen, Fast Growing, Upright, Pyramidal, Dense
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Foliage Color: Medium to Dark Green
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and densest foliage. Leyland Cypress is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions but performs best in fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid poorly drained locations and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote good air circulation and healthy root development.
Watering:
Water deeply and consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Continue supplemental watering during hot or dry periods, particularly during the first few years after planting. Once established, Leyland Cypress can tolerate occasional dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and evergreens in early spring if needed. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage overly rapid, weak growth.
Pruning:
Leyland Cypress responds well to light pruning and can be trimmed to maintain a denser or more formal screen. Prune as needed during the growing season, but avoid cutting deeply into old, leafless wood because new growth may not readily develop from those areas.
Plant Health:
Proper spacing, good drainage, and avoiding drought stress are important for long-term health. Leyland Cypress can be susceptible to canker diseases and other problems when stressed, especially when planted too closely or in poorly suited locations.
