Pruning Leyland Cypress

November 18, 2024 | C.L. Fornari | Q & A, Seasonal Celebrations

You’re undoubtedly wondering why I’m writing about pruning Leyland Cypress in November, but there are several reasons that this should be on your radar right now. This has been a popular plant on Cape Cod for the last 30 years, but many homeowners don’t realize that in order to keep these trees full from top to bottom, the long, feathery branches need to be pruned regularly.

If Leyland Cypress aren’t pruned from early in their life the limbs grow long and skinny. Additionally, the plants put their growth to the tops, way up high, which causes even more thinning down below.

These are Leyland Cypress that haven’t been pruned regularly from early on. They are thinning out down below, so the homeowner is losing the very thing that they planted them for in the first place: privacy.

Why Should Leyland Cypress Get Pruned?

Leyland Cypress should be pruned to encourage bushy, full growth. They will still grow quickly and large, but they are more likely to continue to provide privacy if the ends of those long branches are cut at least every other year.

In addition to keeping these plants full, pruning improves their appearance. If you’re regularly cutting off 6 to 18″ at the ends of each branch, those branches double their growth, keeping the plant full. At the same time, you can remove any drought or winter damaged foliage.

Some Leyland Cypress are showing drought damage this year. Cutting this out improves the look of the plants.

When Should I Prune Leyland Cypress?

Since you don’t have to worry about flowering, Leyland Cypress have a large window when it comes to pruning. Anytime from October through April is ideal, and they can be trimmed through June if necessary. The only months to avoid are the hottest part of the summer into September. And of course, dead branches can be removed anytime.

Here is an example of Leylands that need pruning. There are dead branches that need cutting, and the long, thin branches need to be cut back so that they double and fill in. On this plant, this really should have been started ten years ago, but when it comes to pruning this plant, there is no time like the present. Better to prune it when you realize that it needs doing than to not cut at all.

How Should I Prune Leyland Cypress?

Ideally, start a year or two after these plants have been put in the ground. If they are very young and small, clip or shear 3″ to 6″ off every branch except the leader (top, upright stem) every year. Don’t hesitate because you’re in a hurry for them to grow large. They will still grow quickly, but they will be much fuller and attractive as a result.

You can either hand prune these trees or use a shearing tool on them. If you have started early, and the plants are fairly full, pruning or shearing can be done every other year and you can remove anywhere from 3″ to 18″ off of the ends of the branches. If the plants haven’t been pruned in several years, you’ll want to hand-cut 12″ to 18″ off all branches except the leader.

Why Prune Leyland Cypress in November or Early December?

Leyland Cypress greens are wonderful for holiday decorating. They work well in garlands, swags, and arrangements. Use them in wet florist Oasis to make bird-bath toppers or to fill window boxes and whisky barrels.

If you hire someone to prune your Leyland Cypress for you, ask that they come at this time of year, and leave the greens for you to use for Christmas decorating.

Use Leyland Cypress greens in garlands, inside or out. Add them to swags, wreaths, and arrangements. In this photo Leyland Cypress has been combined with the leaves from Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel, white pine and our native Holly.

Posted in Q & A, Seasonal Celebrations