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Unpruned
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Leyland Cypress, often referred to simply as
leylandii, is a fast-growing coniferous evergreen tree, that can grow 3 - 5 ft./yr. It is a cross between the Monterey Cypress & Nootka Cypress; usually sterile, it is most often reproduced from cuttings, according to the literature.
Leylandii are one of those trees sold around the holidays as "living Christmas trees" and as such have a bad reputation. However, they are commonly marked-down 50% or more, making them attractive to hobbyists, such as myself, which is exactly why I acquired this little tree.
Acquired: Jan 2026; major Home & Garden center; Cost:$6.50
These trees will tolerate full-sun to partial shade, given well-drained soil & proper watering. They like damp conditions, but not "wet feet", which can lead to problems with root rot.
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I decided to try to "clean up" the appearance & expose the trunk, so I could see what this guy actually looks like. What I found under all that foliage was a curved primary trunk, forming a backwards-S shape, topped with dual plumes.
I had not intended to prune the leylandii this hard, but as the trunk & branches appeared out from under the shubbery, it was hard to stop. So, I went ahead & potted him in a training pot; I did some minor pruning to the roots (this cultivar known for shallow roots) & removed the tap-root.
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| In Training |
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Pruned & Potted
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April 2026Known as a "fast grower" these trees are often used to create windbreaks & "tree lines" & our mini-Leyland is showing signs of growth with very green foliage, as opposed to the blue-green foliage of mature trees.
My previous experience with conifers..pine, juniper, Cypress..led me to expect slow-growth..barely perceptible..think years, not months, so I was pleasantly surprised when this leylandii showed significant regrowth in a little less than 3 months.
This tree would no longer be mistaken for a Xmas tree & I'm looking forward to what we might be able to do with this specimen. Additionally, I'm surprised at the ease of propagation via cuttings, of which I will document at some point, but for right now, I well-pleased with his progress & development.
October 2026
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.
