Caring for Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress has moderate water needs. Water young trees weekly during dry spells in their first two years, especially from late spring through summer. Established specimens are more drought-tolerant but will brown and shed foliage if left too dry for prolonged periods. In hot summers, water hedges deeply every two to three weeks rather than little and often; this encourages deeper rooting. Feed in March or April with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish, and bone) scattered around the base at the rate recommended on the packet. A spring feed supports vigorous growth and rich green foliage. Avoid feeding after mid-spring, as soft late-season growth is more vulnerable to frost and disease. Refresh the mulch layer each spring to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and gradually improve soil structure. Keep mulch clear of the trunk itself. Leyland cypress is evergreen, so there's no autumn leaf drop to clear, but you may need to remove fallen needles and pruning debris from the base to reduce the risk of fungal problems. Common pests include aphids and scale insects, which cause sooty mould on foliage; treat with an insecticidal soap if necessary. The main disease threat is cypress canker (Seiridium), which causes dieback of branches and browning foliage. There is no cure; remove affected branches promptly, cutting back to healthy wood, and disinfect tools between cuts. Canker spreads faster on stressed trees, so good watering, feeding, and avoiding hard pruning all reduce risk. In exposed or coastal sites, provide windbreak protection while plants establish.