The Blue Lawson Cypress is a real speed demon when it comes to vertical growth, but it generally keeps a pretty slim profile. When you’re figuring out how far apart to space them, it really comes down to what you’re trying to achieve in your landscape. If you crowd them too much, these conifers become way more susceptible to issues like fungal infections.
Spacing for Standalone Trees
If you want a single tree to be the star of the show, it needs plenty of room to grow and shine. If it’s getting bullied by neighboring plants, it won’t get enough sunlight and will eventually start to look a bit sad and stunted. To keep it happy, give it at least 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) of breathing room from other plants.
Spacing for a Privacy Hedge
When you’re planting a hedge, you can definitely tighten things up so the trees grow together into a solid windbreak and privacy screen. However, you still want to keep at least 12 inches (30 cm) between them. If they’re packed in tighter than that, the trees are much more likely to deal with diseases.
Don’t forget that a Blue Lawson Cypress hedge needs a regular trim to stay looking its best.
As for placement, try to keep about 6 feet of distance from your house and your neighbor’s property line. It’s always a smart move to check your local city ordinances or HOA rules before you start planting to make sure you’re following the local spacing regulations.
A Quick Safety Note: They Are Toxic
If you’ve got little ones running around the yard or pets that love to explore, you might want to think twice before planting Blue Lawson Cypress. Like most conifers, every part of this tree is actually poisonous.
The real kicker is that the essential oils in the foliage can cause a reaction just by touching your bare skin.
Accidental contact or ingestion can lead to some nasty symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pressure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin redness
- Itching
Because of this, always mask up with garden gloves and eye protection when you’re planting or pruning. Make sure you don’t touch your face, mouth, or eyes while you’re working, and be sure to give everyone in your household a heads-up about the tree’s toxicity.
Keep Your Distance from Livestock
The Blue Lawson Cypress is also toxic to grazing animals like cows and sheep. If your property line borders a pasture, make sure you plan for plenty of safety clearance when planting your hedge so the animals can’t reach over for a snack.
