Leyland cypress are a popular choice for privacy screens and hedges thanks to their dense, evergreen foliage and rapid growth rate But to ensure your leylandii planting thrives and looks its best without encroaching on fences or structures, proper spacing and siting is key.
As a fast-growing tree that can reach 60 feet or more at maturity, leyland cypress needs adequate room to reach its full potential. Planting too close to a fence or structure not only stunts growth, but increases maintenance and can ultimately damage both the trees and the fence if they grow together.
Follow these tips on how far to plant leyland cypress from fences and structures for optimal growth and ease of care:
Allow Enough Space for Growth
Leyland cypress have a pyramidal form with a wide base that tapers toward the top. They are fast growing trees averaging 3-4 feet per year once established.
To allow enough room for growth, a general guideline is to plant leyland cypress at least 5-10 feet away from a fence or structure. This gives the trees space to fill out to their natural shape without encroaching on the fence right away.
Leyland cypress trees should be about half as tall as they will be when they grow up, so keep them away from fences and other structures. Plant 20 feet away from buildings and fences for a type that will grow to be 40 feet tall.
If planning a privacy screen, allow 7-15 feet between trees depending on the desired height and density. Closer spacing creates a tighter screen more quickly but requires more frequent pruning to control size. Wider spacing allows more room for mature growth.
Consider Mature Width
When deciding where to put a leyland cypress tree, you should think about both its height and its mature width. The trees are narrow at the base, but as they grow, the pyramid shape at the base spreads out a lot.
Most varieties mature at 15-25 feet wide or more. To avoid encroachment on fences as the trees fill out, allow enough space to accommodate their full width.
If planting multiple trees in a row or hedge, you can space them slightly closer together since they will be pruned for control. But still allow adequate width for size management and airflow between trees.
Mind the Dripline Area
A tree’s roots often mirror the spread of its branches. For leyland cypress, leave a space between the mature dripline or the outside edge of the branches to keep roots from competing with each other and causing damage.
As a general guideline, plant leyland cypress trees at least 10 feet beyond their expected dripline at maturity. This prevents the root systems from tangling with fence posts or spreading under paved areas.
For privacy screens, allow a buffer beyond the projected dripline for the outer rows. Inner trees can be planted closer together since root growth is restricted.
Increase Spacing on Slopes
If planting leyland cypress on a slope or hillside, increase spacing between the trees and fences or structures even more.
When trees are planted on slopes, they tend to grow faster on the side that goes down. Giving plants more space keeps growth from being uneven and keeps plants on the downhill side from crowding against fences too soon.
Add 5-10 extra feet between trees and fences when planting on slopes or hills for best results. The steeper the grade, the more additional space is ideal.
Watch for Power Lines
Since leyland cypress grow rapidly into large trees, they are not a good choice below overhead utility lines.
Be sure to plant leyland cypress at least 50 feet away from power lines to avoid safety hazards and pruning needs as they mature. Their pyramidal form makes them prone to wind damage if topped or improperly pruned to contain size under wires.
Consider Maintenance Access
When planning a hedge or screen, make sure to leave enough space between the trees and fences to allow for pruning and maintenance access.
Aim for at least 3-5 feet of clearance between the trees and fence to get a mower or pruner between them. This makes keeping the area neat and managing the hedge’s size much simpler over time.
Proper spacing also allows air circulation to help minimize disease problems in the cypress foliage.
Provide Adequate Drainage
Leyland cypress perform best in sites with well-draining soil and adequate moisture. Avoid planting too close to fences in poorly draining clay soil, which can lead to standing water.
For optimal health, allow enough room for proper drainage and air flow. Space the trees far enough from fences and structures so moisture doesn’t accumulate between them, keeping the inner branches too wet.
Improving drainage with amendments or raised beds helps when space is limited. But allowing adequate room for air to circulate is ideal.
Consider the Purpose
Your desired goal for the planting also determines optimal spacing from fences. Some guidelines based on purpose:
- Privacy screen: Space trees 7-15 feet apart, 10 feet from fences
- Noise barrier: Allow 15 feet between trees, 15-20 feet from fence
- Property border: Space at least 20 feet apart and from fences
- Specimen/accent tree: Provide 20-30 feet between trees and structures
Allowing enough space when you first plant leyland cypress sets them up for healthy, vigorous growth while preventing encroachment on fences. They’ll quickly grow into a lush, towering privacy screen that blocks views without overtaking your yard.