Leyland Cypress - Shrub

Plant your Leyland Cypress in a trench 60-80 cm deep. Prepare the soil with compost and manure. Add some sharp sand to heavy clay soil. Soak the plants in water for one hour before planting. Divide the shrubs over the trench, placing three plants for every metre. You can also plant a double row of hedges. The top of the root ball should be equal to ground level in the garden (please note that some land will collapse). Fill with soil, and give it lots of water so that it almost turns into a swamp. Water after planting and regularly at the start of each spring. It grows best in a somewhat sheltered area.

These hardy conifers are highly resistant to strong sea winds. The Cupressocyparis leylandii '2001' is a variety which grows just a little slower than other common varieties and therefore it is not necessary to prune as often.

The Leyland Cypress is a strong evergreen conifer that requires minimal maintenance. Water soil during dry periods and provide a mulch of compost and granulated cow manure during the winter.

The Leyland Cypress can be pruned two to three times between May and August. The bottom of the hedge must be cut at least as wide as the top; in fact, possibly a little wider, so that the entire hedge receives enough light. Do you prefer a straight cut? If so tie a rope across the top for guidance. Don't prune too deep, always leave some leaves on the branches; this conifer doesn't tolerate deep pruning.