Leyland Cypress in August: monthly care

Leyland cypress requires regular pruning to stay dense and manageable, especially when grown as a hedge. Prune in May, June, August, or September—avoid cutting in winter or early spring when growth is slow and wounds heal poorly. Never prune in hot, dry spells in July, as this stresses the tree and can cause browning. Use sharp hedging shears or a hedge trimmer for formal hedges. The golden rule is to trim little and often rather than cutting back hard once a year. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the current season's growth in each session. For a neat hedge, prune in late May or early June after the first flush of growth, then again in late August or early September to tidy up before winter. Always cut back to green, actively growing foliage; Leyland cypress will not regenerate from bare, brown wood, so never cut into old, leafless branches. Shape the hedge with a slight taper—narrower at the top than the base—so that light reaches the lower branches and prevents them from dying back. For specimen trees, remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late spring. If a leader (main shoot) is damaged, tie in a strong side shoot to replace it. Once a hedge reaches your desired height, keep the top flat and level. If a Leyland cypress hedge becomes overgrown and bare at the base, there is no practical way to rejuvenate it; replacement is usually the only option. Prevention through regular, light pruning is essential.