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.
The tree's origins are known. It was an accidental cross between the Monterey and the Nootka cypress, several of each having been planted near each other on a British estate. The new hybrid was emerald green, fast growing, and had a pleasing conical shape. Because of this tendency to cross-breed, there are over 40 different cypresses today. Hybrids are mostly sterile, but new trees are readily made from cuttings.
The rapid growth and dense foliage of this hybrid form makes them great for privacy hedges or windbreaks. The tree is tolerant of air pollution, which makes it good for urban areas. It is fairly drought-tolerant, so it takes little care. It gets very tall and very wide; it can be pruned to keep it under control, but beware of crowding and of over-shadowing your neighbor's yard.
The tree is sturdy and not prone to many diseases if well situated, but it is shallow rooted. A strong wind may blow it over after it gets tall, and it is subject to damage from heavy snows. Because of the shallow roots, it does not do as well in extremely hot and dry climates. However, watering once a week can overcome this difficulty.
This kind of cypress can grow up to four or five feet in one year if conditions are ideal. It does best in well-drained and acidic soil, in zones 6 to 8, and in spots where it gets full sun. However, it is found in zones 5 to 10, will do OK in light shade, and can handle any soil except a wet one.
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.
Relatively inexpensive and easy to grow, these conifers are sure to retain their popularity. Problems may arise if they grow too well and begin to shade the neighbor's vegetables. However, advance planning and occasional pruning can keep everybody happy for generations.
The tree's origins are known. It was an accidental cross between the Monterey and the Nootka cypress, several of each having been planted near each other on a British estate. The new hybrid was emerald green, fast growing, and had a pleasing conical shape. Because of this tendency to cross-breed, there are over 40 different cypresses today. Hybrids are mostly sterile, but new trees are readily made from cuttings.
The rapid growth and dense foliage of this hybrid form makes them great for privacy hedges or windbreaks. The tree is tolerant of air pollution, which makes it good for urban areas. It is fairly drought-tolerant, so it takes little care. It gets very tall and very wide; it can be pruned to keep it under control, but beware of crowding and of over-shadowing your neighbor's yard.
The tree is sturdy and not prone to many diseases if well situated, but it is shallow rooted. A strong wind may blow it over after it gets tall, and it is subject to damage from heavy snows. Because of the shallow roots, it does not do as well in extremely hot and dry climates. However, watering once a week can overcome this difficulty.
This kind of cypress can grow up to four or five feet in one year if conditions are ideal. It does best in well-drained and acidic soil, in zones 6 to 8, and in spots where it gets full sun. However, it is found in zones 5 to 10, will do OK in light shade, and can handle any soil except a wet one.
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.
Relatively inexpensive and easy to grow, these conifers are sure to retain their popularity. Problems may arise if they grow too well and begin to shade the neighbor's vegetables. However, advance planning and occasional pruning can keep everybody happy for generations.
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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.
