Information on the Cupressocyparis Leylandii Tree

Size and Form

• Specimens of Leyland cypress in Great Britain reach heights of 130 feet, notes Floridata, but those grown in North America rarely reach half that size. Leyland cypress has a columnar or pyramidal form, with widths between 10 and 15 feet. The branches curve upward on this tree, with its needles appearing scaly and overlapping on the twigs to create flat-looking sprays.

Growing Conditions

• One of the attractive qualities of Cupressocyparis leylandii is that it grows in warm weather regions. It is not a cold-hardy tree, growing between U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 6 through 10. It needs full sun, but you can plant it where it will get some afternoon shade in hot areas. While it will grow in poor-quality soil, Leyland cypress' best results are in sites that feature enough water and fertile soil to allow it to thrive. As a drought-tolerant species, the Leyland cypress will not do well in soil that is always wet.

Uses

• Impressive enough on its own to be a specimen tree, the Leyland cypress also serves other capacities. Landscapers often use them to form privacy screens or hedges, taking advantage of this species' dense branching. In windy areas, consider making effective windbreaks with rows of Leyland cypress. Leyland cypress makes a viable Christmas tree; when purchased in a container, you then have the option to plant it outside after the holidays.

Pruning

• Leyland cypress is very tolerant of pruning, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Growing at a rate of as much as 36 inches a year, it will often become too large for small landscapes unless pruned regularly. Taking the top off a Leyland cypress does not adversely affect its growth. The rapid growth of Leyland cypress means that if you utilize the species as a hedge or screen, yearly pruning is necessary to keep it under control.