Leyland Cypress Tree

Learn to plant …

The tree—named after the man who first planted its seed—has found wide popularity because of its legendary salt tolerance, thriving where many other trees will not grow. It has also spawned a wide variety of cultivars designed to enhance its natural beauty.

Germination Care

Cut 1/3 off of the top of a 1-liter plastic bottle, and then fill the bottom of the bottle with compost. Place three seeds on top of the compost in the bottle, cover them with wet, shredded newsprint and place the top of the bottle back on the lower half, overlapping the edges slightly. Seal it with duct tape. Spread mulch on the soil to promote moisture retention. Keep the mulch several inches away from the stem of the seedling. Trim the seedling when it's about 3 to 4 feet high and new growth is maturing on the tree.

Main Benefits

This tree provides winter cover for songbirds and game birds. It also makes an excellent windbreak. This sterile hybrid is produced in great numbers for use in Christmas tree plantations, in windbreaks, and along boundary lines. It also beautifies the landscape around homes, across campuses, and in parks.

Planting Care / When to plant

During the first growing season water the tree deeply once a week. Once it’s been in the ground for a few months its root system will soon be large enough to keep it supplied with water and nutrients. To help its roots get established after spring or summer planting, water your Leyland cypress regularly. After a few months, apply 1 gallon a week to the rootball if you live in USDA zones 7 or 8 and 2 gallons a week if you live in USDA zones 9 or 10.

You should plant Leyland cypress when the tree is dormant. Around six weeks before the first frost is the perfect time to plant, but it’s not critical; you can get your tree started any time the ground isn’t frozen, although planting when it isn’t dormant can stress the tree slightly.

Ideal Climate

The Leyland cypress can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 6–10. It grows well in a wide variety of soil and climate conditions.