Choosing the right trees for your garden can be fun, but it certainly should be planned. Trees are often expensive, they take a bit of trouble to plant, and they require care for the first year after planting. They also grow bigger than your average garden plant, so spacing and placement are important. Leyland cypress trees are easier than most, but homeowners in Georgia still need to plan ahead.
This extremely popular variety of landscape tree is not native to anywhere. The first examples of this conifer (cone bearing evergreen) grew on a British estate as a hybrid between two cypress species. Some Monterey cypress were planted near some Nootka cypress and they cross-pollinated. The new trees were emerald green, well-shaped, and extremely fast growing. Other landowners had the same serendipity; there are over 40 types of the species today.
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.
Tall: up to and over 100 feet, growing up to four feet a year. Wide: up to 25 feet. It thrives in full sun, acidic and well-drained soil, and a spacing of at least five feet apart. It can do well in any soil, needs only a little help in very hot and dry regions, and can be grown near the ocean, since salt spray doesn't hurt it. Planting zones 6 to 8 are ideal (making it perfect for Georgia), but it can survive in zones 5 to 10. It prefers full sun but will be OK in light shade.
Although most people recognize this tree as a hedge or planted in a line along the border of a property, it also makes a magnificent specimen when planted alone. Nursery-grown plants are started from cuttings rather than from seed and have a fuller, more symmetrical shape. If conditions are ideal, it can reach a height of over 100 feet and spread to 25 feet around. Most of the original hybrids are still alive in Britain, which makes them about 125 years old and still going strong.
If used in a hedge, trees should be at least 5 feet apart at planting time. It's wise to schedule annual pruning to keep them from growing too tall (height and width should be balanced). Over-crowding makes them susceptible to disease and may cause the lower branches to die.
The popularity of this tree is partly because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow. However, their beauty also makes them desirable. In Georgia, homeowners should check their planting zones, make sure that such a vigorous variety won't shade neighboring properties, and make sure the plants they choose are started from cuttings. If conditions are favorable, the Leyland cypress should be a joy for many years to come.
This extremely popular variety of landscape tree is not native to anywhere. The first examples of this conifer (cone bearing evergreen) grew on a British estate as a hybrid between two cypress species. Some Monterey cypress were planted near some Nootka cypress and they cross-pollinated. The new trees were emerald green, well-shaped, and extremely fast growing. Other landowners had the same serendipity; there are over 40 types of the species today.
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.
Tall: up to and over 100 feet, growing up to four feet a year. Wide: up to 25 feet. It thrives in full sun, acidic and well-drained soil, and a spacing of at least five feet apart. It can do well in any soil, needs only a little help in very hot and dry regions, and can be grown near the ocean, since salt spray doesn't hurt it. Planting zones 6 to 8 are ideal (making it perfect for Georgia), but it can survive in zones 5 to 10. It prefers full sun but will be OK in light shade.
Although most people recognize this tree as a hedge or planted in a line along the border of a property, it also makes a magnificent specimen when planted alone. Nursery-grown plants are started from cuttings rather than from seed and have a fuller, more symmetrical shape. If conditions are ideal, it can reach a height of over 100 feet and spread to 25 feet around. Most of the original hybrids are still alive in Britain, which makes them about 125 years old and still going strong.
If used in a hedge, trees should be at least 5 feet apart at planting time. It's wise to schedule annual pruning to keep them from growing too tall (height and width should be balanced). Over-crowding makes them susceptible to disease and may cause the lower branches to die.
The popularity of this tree is partly because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow. However, their beauty also makes them desirable. In Georgia, homeowners should check their planting zones, make sure that such a vigorous variety won't shade neighboring properties, and make sure the plants they choose are started from cuttings. If conditions are favorable, the Leyland cypress should be a joy for many years to come.
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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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