The Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) is an extremely fast-growing coniferous tree that is commonly used as an ornamental privacy hedge. This hybrid tree can reach staggering heights of 70-100 feet, with a spread of 15-25 feet.
It’s natural to think that the Leyland cypress has a large root system that goes deep into the ground, since it has such a huge trunk. However, this is not the case; Leyland cypresses have very shallow root systems compared to their height.
An Overview of the Leyland Cypress Root System
The Leyland cypress root system is shallow, generally reaching a depth of only 1-2 feet The roots lack a strong taproot and instead spread outward horizontally Leyland cypress roots typically extend as wide as the tree is tall. So a 50 foot tall tree may have roots spreading 50 feet wide or more.
While the roots don’t grow deep, they do grow fast, keeping pace with the rapid vertical growth. It’s not uncommon for the roots to lengthen 3-5 feet per year. They are opportunistic roots that quickly colonize the nutrient-rich top layers of soil.
The deep surface roots effectively take in water and nutrients to support the tree’s demanding growth pattern. However, the trees are unstable and easily uprooted in strong winds when the soil becomes too wet.
Advantages of the Shallow Roots
The shallow root system of the Leyland cypress offers some advantages:
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Quick growth—The roots can get the most water and nutrients by concentrating in the rich topsoil, which helps the plant grow quickly.
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Roots don’t damage pipes, foundations, or other infrastructure because they don’t grow into them. The horizontal growth habit keeps them near the surface.
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Easy to remove – The shallow roots make it simpler to remove Leyland cypress trees compared to deep-rooted trees.
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Drought tolerance – The extensive surface roots can capture moisture from light rains and dew that would elude deep roots.
Disadvantages of the Shallow Roots
However, the shallow roots also come with some drawbacks:
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Unstable trees – The trees are susceptible to uprooting in saturated soil, especially when they achieve significant height.
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Nutrient depletion – The greedy surface roots can rob nutrients and moisture from nearby plants.
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Short lifespan – Few Leyland cypress trees survive more than 15-20 years before declining. The rapid growth outstrips root development.
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Vulnerability to drought – While the shallow roots aid short-term drought tolerance, they cannot access deeper reserves of moisture.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To achieve maximal growth of the Leyland cypress root system:
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Plant in nutrient-rich loam or sandy loam soils to facilitate rapid root development. Avoid very sandy or clay soils.
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Ensure the soil is well-drained. Standing water will stunt root growth.
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Give trees ample space, at least 15-20 feet between specimens. Overcrowding leads to root competition.
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Water regularly when rainfall is inadequate, especially during active growth periods.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer annually to provide nutrients.
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Prune judiciously to thin overly dense growth that can limit air circulation to roots.
Maintaining Healthy Roots
A few tips for keeping Leyland cypress roots in good shape:
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Mulch annually with 2-3 inches of pine bark or wood chips to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Don’t mulch deeply right against the trunk.
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Aerate compacted soil around the root zone to improve drainage and oxygen circulation to the roots.
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Monitor for pests and diseases, such as Phytophthora root rot, that can damage the sensitive roots.
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Water during drought, aiming to moisten the top 12 inches of soil.
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Fertilize lightly in early spring and avoid over-fertilization that can burn delicate roots.
The Leyland cypress root system is expansive but shallow, with most roots residing in the top foot or two of soil. These fast-growing opportunistic roots support the tree’s legendary growth rate but also introduce some vulnerabilities. With proper siting, spacing, care and maintenance, Leyland cypress trees can achieve their full potential in the landscape. But gardeners should weigh the benefits and drawbacks before planting.
Leyland Cypress Trees At a Glance
To help you decide if Leyland cypress trees will work for your yard, we put together a quick list of facts about this plant:
- Fast-growing: Leyland cypress trees can grow up to 3–4 feet a year in the best conditions, making them one of the fastest-growing evergreens. Because of this, these trees are often chosen by homeowners and gardeners who want to quickly create a mature landscape.
- Low maintenance: Once these trees are established, they only need to be pruned every so often to keep their shape and spacing. Plus, if you take good care of them, they usually don’t get pests or diseases.
- Leyland cypresses make a thick, evergreen wall that blocks out noise, wind, and unwanted views thanks to their dense, towering growth habit and feathery leaves.
- Since Leyland cypress trees are evergreen, they keep their rich green color all year. This means that they look nice and provide shade no matter what time of year it is.
- Salt-tolerant: Leyland cypress trees can handle some salt, which makes them good for coastal areas or roadside locations where sea spray or de-icing materials might be a problem.
- Weak roots: Leyland cypresses don’t have invasive roots, but their weak roots can become stressed in drought or easily uprooted in strong winds. Because of this, it’s important to give these trees enough room to grow and water them regularly when it’s dry.
How To Plant Leyland Cypress Trees
The best time to plant your tree is during its dormancy in mid-fall. Plant your Leyland cypress tree in an area with well-drained soil that receives full sunlight to partial shade. If you plant your tree right on the property line, it could grow over onto your neighbor’s land because it grows so quickly.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. You want to plant the tree so that is even with the surrounding soil. Gently tease the roots of the tree before you place it in the hole to encourage the roots to grow outward. Put the soil you dug out back into the hole, and make a ring of mulch around the tree so it doesn’t touch the trunk. Water your tree every day for one week, then water every other day. By the third week, you can water as needed.
- If you plant more than one Leyland cypress tree, leave 6 to 10 feet between them.
How to grow Leyland Cypress with a detailed description
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