Caring For Cypress

Annual Tasks
Spring
A 2 to 3 inch layer of some attractive organic material such as wood chips, chopped leaves or pine needles spread on the soil around the trunk offers many benefits to trees. For more info on mulching click here.
Summer
Water Leyland cypress every few days when it is first planted. Once it is established it does not require supplemental watering as long as rainfall is normal. During periods of prolonged drought, however, run a drip or sprinkler system for 30 minutes every week or 10 days to soak the soil down about 12 inches. For more info on watering trees click here.
Fall
Fertilizing - Offer Leyland cypress a single yearly feeding of a granular, all-purpose fertilizer for the first 3 or 4 years after planting. In the fall sprinkle 1/2 pound of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter on the soil under the tree. Cast it in a circle reaching out just beyond the reach of the branches for the rain to soak in. Do not overdo, since these trees are naturally fast growers already. Do not allow the fertilizer to touch tree branches, trunk or foliage. For more info on fertilizing trees click here.
Winter
Leyland cypress of all types have attractive natural habits and do not require routine pruning for shape. However, they are tolerant of clipping and shearing for hedges or to make them denser if that is desired. Otherwise limit pruning to prompt removal of any broken or diseased branches.