Cypress trees are famous for their incredibly dense foliage. Seriously, you can’t see a thing through them! It’s no wonder they’re a top pick for anyone looking to create a natural privacy screen. They grow fast and stay lush and green every single day of the year.
Choosing the Right Cypress Variety
When we talk about “cypresses” here in the States, we aren’t always talking about the Mediterranean Cypress. Especially when it comes to hedges, you’ll often see False Cypress (Leylandii), Nootka Cypress, or various hybrids. They all share that classic look but have different “personalities.” For instance, the Lawson Cypress is a champ in the shade, while the Leyland Cypress is the speed demon of the group, offering the fastest growth per year.
Optimizing the Location
Usually, you don’t have a ton of flexibility with the location—you need the tree exactly where you want your privacy! That’s why it’s a good idea to chat with someone at the nursery to see which variety fits your specific yard. True cypresses crave a sunny, warm spot. Before you get started with planting, you’ll want to prep the soil:
- Create a 4-inch drainage layer.
- Mix your excavated soil with coarse sand.
- Enrich poor soil with some good compost.
- Aim for a slightly acidic pH level.
The Best Time to Plant
Technically, you can plant cypresses any time the ground isn’t frozen. But if you aren’t in a massive rush, spring or early fall are the sweet spots. I recommend picking young trees that are at least 3 feet tall. They’re a bit hardier, which helps them survive their first winter, and plus—you’ll get that privacy screen much sooner!
Pro Planting Tips
- Soak the root balls in water overnight before planting.
- Dig your trench or hole twice as deep as the root ball.
- Space plants about 12 to 20 inches apart and don’t bury them too deep.
- Tamp the soil down firmly and give them a good soak.
Quick Tip:
Don’t forget to leave enough spacing between the trees and any buildings or property lines. Over time, cypresses develop strong root systems, and you’ll want enough elbow room to get back there for pruning.
Maintenance and Pruning
Once they’re established in your garden, cypresses are pretty low-maintenance. You’ll only need to water them during those scorching summer heatwaves and give them a little fertilizer now and then. However, regular pruning is a must to encourage new growth and prevent the inside from getting “bald” or woody.
- At the start, it’s best to prune twice a year.
- Always work from the top down.
- Trim back about a third of the year’s new growth.
- Always use sharp, clean shears.
Once your privacy hedge reaches the height you want, a quick annual trim to keep its shape is usually all it takes.
