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.
People who wanted fast-growing evergreens for hedges, privacy fences, and windbreaks soon found that the Leyland was perfect. Its tolerance for salt spray and air pollution made it perfect for coastline and urban gardens. Except in very hot and dry regions, it requires little care. It grows so fast that sometimes it causes problems; a neighbor might find that the privacy hedge next door cuts off all his sun.
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.
They grow up to four feet a year, increasing in diameter, too. A mature Leyland can be over 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide. They don't like wet soils but otherwise are remarkably tolerant of soil types. Georgia's planting zones are perfect, since the tree prefers zones 6 to 8. However, you find Leylands all over from zone 5 to 10. Full sun is best for these fast-growing evergreens, but they can make do in light shade.
A lone Leyland can make a striking focal point for any landscape. Nursery-started specimens grown from cuttings retain the dense growth and symmetrical shape of the originals; seedlings tend to be scraggly. No one knows how long these trees live, since most of the original hybrids are still flourishing on their British soil. That's over 125 years and still counting, with heights of 130 feet.
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.
People who wanted fast-growing evergreens for hedges, privacy fences, and windbreaks soon found that the Leyland was perfect. Its tolerance for salt spray and air pollution made it perfect for coastline and urban gardens. Except in very hot and dry regions, it requires little care. It grows so fast that sometimes it causes problems; a neighbor might find that the privacy hedge next door cuts off all his sun.
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.
They grow up to four feet a year, increasing in diameter, too. A mature Leyland can be over 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide. They don't like wet soils but otherwise are remarkably tolerant of soil types. Georgia's planting zones are perfect, since the tree prefers zones 6 to 8. However, you find Leylands all over from zone 5 to 10. Full sun is best for these fast-growing evergreens, but they can make do in light shade.
A lone Leyland can make a striking focal point for any landscape. Nursery-started specimens grown from cuttings retain the dense growth and symmetrical shape of the originals; seedlings tend to be scraggly. No one knows how long these trees live, since most of the original hybrids are still flourishing on their British soil. That's over 125 years and still counting, with heights of 130 feet.
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.
About the Author:
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment