Leyland Cypresses are famous for being some of the fastest-growing conifers out there. Because they grow so vigorously, these trees love having plenty of elbow room to really thrive. However, if you’re looking to create a lush garden hedge, planting them closer together is actually the way to go—it creates a fantastic natural privacy screen and windbreak. Not sure how much space to leave? Here are my top tips for getting the spacing just right.
The Ideal Spacing for Hedges
If you’re dreaming of a thick, green wall, you’ll want to space your plants about 15 inches (40 cm) apart. For a privacy screen that fills in quickly, I recommend planting three young trees per yard. If you’re not in a huge rush and want to save a little money, two trees per yard will eventually get the job done too.
Spacing for Individual Trees
Keep in mind that the Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing shallow-rooter. Within just a few years, they develop a dense root system that’s strong enough to lift up garden pavers! To avoid any DIY disasters, always plan for at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) of space between the tree and any garden paths or foundations.
It’s also super important not to plant them too close to your neighbor’s property line. These trees can reach towering heights and require regular pruning to keep them in check. Before you start digging, definitely check your local zoning laws or HOA rules regarding hedge heights and setbacks.
Give Your Leyland Cypress the Right Soil
These trees aren’t too picky, but they prefer soil that is slightly acidic to alkaline and a bit loamy. I always suggest mixing in some specialized conifer fertilizer when planting; it really boosts the soil quality and gives your trees a head start.
The big secret to success is well-draining soil. Leyland Cypresses hate “wet feet” (standing water). Too much moisture can lead to root rot and other diseases that can kill the plant.
Pro Tips for Planting
Getting your trees off to a good start is the most important part of growing a healthy Leyland Cypress.
Here’s how to plant your young trees:
- Pick a bright, sunny spot and dig your hole.
- Add some drainage material at the bottom and mix in your conifer fertilizer.
- Place the young tree in the hole and fill it back up with soil. Pro tip: Make sure you don’t plant the tree any deeper than it was sitting in its original nursery pot.
August and September are the absolute best months to get these in the ground, though you can plant them throughout the fall as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Just remember to keep those young plants well-watered—even during the winter months!
