Georgia is just about right for one very popular ornamental tree. Leyland Cypress trees thrive in zones 6 to 8, although they are found in a much wider range. If you are going to the expense and trouble of planting a tree or a hedge in your yard, you should check this one out. This hybrid is easy to grow and care for and very, very beautiful.
The tree's origins are known. It was an accidental cross between the Monterey and the Nootka cypress, several of each having been planted near each other on a British estate. The new hybrid was emerald green, fast growing, and had a pleasing conical shape. Because of this tendency to cross-breed, there are over 40 different cypresses today. Hybrids are mostly sterile, but new trees are readily made from cuttings.
The Leylands are often marketed for hedges or windbreaks. They grow well in urban areas, being tolerant of air pollution, and also thrive along the coast, since they can withstand salt spray. They grow rapidly into effective windbreaks and are tolerant of drought. Their soft branches are easy to prune, a necessary practice to keep them from growing too tall. Usually you won't want a hedge to grow to extreme heights. The shallow-rooted Leyland can blow over in a stiff wind if allowed to get too tall.
If planted in well-drained, acidic soil, the Leyland is virtually care free. Because the root system does not penetrate deeply into the soil, these cypresses dry out in extremely hot, dry areas. If you want to plant them anyway, a weekly soak solves the problem. Any tree will need a little extra water during its first year in the ground.
This kind of cypress can grow up to four or five feet in one year if conditions are ideal. It does best in well-drained and acidic soil, in zones 6 to 8, and in spots where it gets full sun. However, it is found in zones 5 to 10, will do OK in light shade, and can handle any soil except a wet one.
A single tree can make a magnificent specimen. It can grow to 130 feet, spread to 25 feet wide, and has a naturally pleasing shape if it is nursery-grown from cuttings. Seedling trees can be more straggly. The original hybrids are mostly still alive and well in Britain, so that makes them over 125 years old.
If you want a dense, vibrantly green hedge, get starter plants (these should still be grown from cuttings) and space them at least five feet apart. Plan to prune them so they won't outgrow their space; pruning will keep the height under control and help each individual tree to fill in all the space around it. If the cypresses are set too close together, the lower branches may die, leaving the hedge scraggly and less protective.
Relatively inexpensive and easy to grow, these conifers are sure to retain their popularity. Problems may arise if they grow too well and begin to shade the neighbor's vegetables. However, advance planning and occasional pruning can keep everybody happy for generations.
The tree's origins are known. It was an accidental cross between the Monterey and the Nootka cypress, several of each having been planted near each other on a British estate. The new hybrid was emerald green, fast growing, and had a pleasing conical shape. Because of this tendency to cross-breed, there are over 40 different cypresses today. Hybrids are mostly sterile, but new trees are readily made from cuttings.
The Leylands are often marketed for hedges or windbreaks. They grow well in urban areas, being tolerant of air pollution, and also thrive along the coast, since they can withstand salt spray. They grow rapidly into effective windbreaks and are tolerant of drought. Their soft branches are easy to prune, a necessary practice to keep them from growing too tall. Usually you won't want a hedge to grow to extreme heights. The shallow-rooted Leyland can blow over in a stiff wind if allowed to get too tall.
If planted in well-drained, acidic soil, the Leyland is virtually care free. Because the root system does not penetrate deeply into the soil, these cypresses dry out in extremely hot, dry areas. If you want to plant them anyway, a weekly soak solves the problem. Any tree will need a little extra water during its first year in the ground.
This kind of cypress can grow up to four or five feet in one year if conditions are ideal. It does best in well-drained and acidic soil, in zones 6 to 8, and in spots where it gets full sun. However, it is found in zones 5 to 10, will do OK in light shade, and can handle any soil except a wet one.
A single tree can make a magnificent specimen. It can grow to 130 feet, spread to 25 feet wide, and has a naturally pleasing shape if it is nursery-grown from cuttings. Seedling trees can be more straggly. The original hybrids are mostly still alive and well in Britain, so that makes them over 125 years old.
If you want a dense, vibrantly green hedge, get starter plants (these should still be grown from cuttings) and space them at least five feet apart. Plan to prune them so they won't outgrow their space; pruning will keep the height under control and help each individual tree to fill in all the space around it. If the cypresses are set too close together, the lower branches may die, leaving the hedge scraggly and less protective.
Relatively inexpensive and easy to grow, these conifers are sure to retain their popularity. Problems may arise if they grow too well and begin to shade the neighbor's vegetables. However, advance planning and occasional pruning can keep everybody happy for generations.
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Find a summary of the reasons why you should plant Leyland Cypress trees and more info about a reputable tree nursery at http://thujagreengiantprivacytrees.com today.
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