Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) - UPDATE

 This exerpt is the latest entry to the Photo/History page for the Leyland Cypress; follow link to access full history of this little tree.

If you look back at the earlier photos of the Leylandii, you will see that after the initial pruning to expose the trunk & branches, the primary features of this tree were the 'S' shape & 'dual plumes' topping the tree.

After several months & a lot of argument with myself, I realized that they had to go, as well as the inner-trunk that had originally been the main trunk line. Sometimes, you have to just close your eyes & cut & that was the case when I shortened it overall by roughly 50%.

The result is not just a shorter tree, but a tree that is more open & airy..gone are the 'plumes'..gone is the 'S' shape, but, in spite of my fears, a new tree has emerged that to my eye is more approachable. 

I have never considered a Cypress in the same context as one might consider pines, or other conifers that tower majestically. My minds' eye sees Cypress as sprawling, rather than towering, with luxurious branching that shades the adjacent spaces gracefully.

The eye is drawn down to take notice of the lower trunk  & branching, but most of all, to the luxurious bark that is possibly the most attractive feature of this tree.

The real beauty of trees, in my opinion, is not necessarily the leaves or canopy..foliage comes & goes & can be pruned to almost any shape one wishes. I want to see the "bones"..the structure & the way it flows should be complimentary, then the color & consistency of the bark, base & branches.