HOW TO PLANT

Where to Plant

Planting your Leyland Cypress is easy. Leyland Cypress trees desire full to partial sun and thrive in a wide range of both acid and alkaline soil that is well drained. Because they grow so tall (to a height of 35-50 feet with a spread of 15-25 feet), just be careful where you plant them! Mark out how much ground your tree will cover; look in all directions and notice what your tree will screen and where the shadows will be cast.

When to Plant

With adequate water after planting, Leyland Cypress trees can be planted year round.

Spacing

Recommended spacing for a privacy screen is about 5 feet apart. The trees should grow together in about 4 years. To develop as an individual tree, space your tree at least 10 feet apart.

Digging the Hole

Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the root system and about the same depth. Roughen up the sides of the sides and bottom of the hole to allow the roots to easily penetrate the walls of the hole. Mix in 1 tablespoon of lime into the loose soil at the bottom of the hole. Remove your tree from its container and loosen the soil so that the roots spread out.

Placing Your Tree in the Hole

Set out your tree in the planting hole and spread out the roots. Make sure the tree is straight up. The top of the root ball, where the roots end and the trunk begins, should be about an inch above the bordering soil.

Backfilling the Hole

Fill in with the dirt you dug up and depending on the quality of your soil you may want to mix in a little premium soil from your local garden shop. As you put dirt in the hole, apply water to remove air pockets and pack the ground gently to anchor it.

Mulching

Mulch 2"-3" thick and several feet in diameter around your Leyland Cypress tree, keeping a small circle around the tree trunk that is not covered with mulch. Mulch is a true workhorse in that it will slow the growth of weeds and grass, help keep in moisture, prevent the soil from becoming too compacted, and act as an insulator during the winter months.