The Risks and Problems with Leyland Cypress Trees

Leyland cypress trees, also known as Leylandii, have become a popular choice for those looking for an attractive and fast-growing privacy screening solution. These lovely conifers are easy to grow and create a perfect, natural boundary that can protect your property from unwanted intrusion. Yet, while they may seem like the perfect choice at first glance, there are several problems with Leyland cypress trees that you should be aware of before deciding to plant them in your yard.

1. Invasive Roots:

Leyland cypress trees are known for their root systems, which can be invasive and can damage underground infrastructure such as drainage systems, plumbing pipes, and sewer lines. The roots also have the potential to push up sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Additionally, they can invade nearby flower beds and harm other plants sharing the same soil. Due to their aggressive root growth, it is not recommended to plant Leyland cypress trees within 6 to 10 feet of any structure or hardscape.

2. Lack of Resilience:

Leyland cypress trees usually grow up to 60 to 70 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide. Despite their size, these trees are relatively weak and can be easily damaged by strong winds or ice storms. This is especially true for fast-growing specimens that develop weak wood. Furthermore, Leyland cypress trees are susceptible to a disease called Seridium canker, which can cause death within a few years of infection. This disease causes browning of the needles, which progressively grows until the tree is defoliated.

3. Allergic Reactions:

Leyland cypress trees produce copious amounts of pollen that can be allergenic to some people, leading to respiratory issues such as asthma and hay fever. If one of your family members or guests is allergic, planting these trees may be a bad idea. Moreover, the pollen can affect the air quality of other plants in your yard, leading to poor growth and development.

4. High Maintenance:

Leyland cypress trees seemingly require little care, but in reality, they require constant maintenance to thrive. They need regular pruning, fertilization, and watering to help them recover from any damage or disease. Furthermore, pruning the tree incorrectly can lead to catastrophic results, such as bark tearing and defoliation. Without proper maintenance, Leyland cypress trees can become unsightly and will not provide the privacy screening you desire.

5. Lack of Biodiversity:

When you plant a Leyland cypress tree in your yard, you are essentially creating a monoculture, which is not ideal for promoting biodiversity. When a single species of plant is planted in a large area, it can create an imbalanced ecosystem where pests and diseases can easily thrive. Furthermore, having a single species of tree in your yard can result in loss of natural habitats for birds, bees, and other critters that contribute to a healthy environment.

Conclusion:

As much as Leyland cypress trees may seem like an easy privacy screening solution, they come with their own set of issues. Their invasive roots, lack of resilience, allergenic pollen, maintenance requirements, and lack of biodiversity can cause severe problems for your property and the environment. Pillar Landscaping recommends exploring alternative options such as thuja green giants, hicks yews, and spruce trees, which offer similar benefits without the associated risks. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to plant Leyland cypress trees in your garden.