Leyland Cypress
Fast Growing Evergreen Trees

Leyland Cypress is an evergreen tree that is often used for screening or privacy. It's a nice looking evergreen, but in my opinion it's best feature is that it is very fast growing.

Due to its speedy growth, it's popular. If you are looking for privacy, you can either buy large trees (which can be quite expensive) or choose a plant like this evergreen tree which puts on a few feet in growth per year!

Photo from tree-movers.net

If you do use Leyland Cypress, for example, along your property border, you can certainly use them alone. However, a nice thing to do is add some plantings in front of them to provide more interest and color.

Ornamental trees that either flower or have striking bark work well. Flowering shrubs and perennials can add all season color to what would otherwise just be a green border. You don't have to add plants along the entire planting in front of all the Leyland Cypress. A bed at either end and a decent one towards the middle of the row will work fine.

Here is some additional information about these trees.

Leyland Cypress
Cupressocyparis leylandii

Plant Zone - 6A to 10A (If you live in zone 5 or lower, these plants are not hardy there. Consider using Arborvitae Green Giant instead.
Height - 25' to 50'Spread - 15' to 25' - You do not have to plant them 15' apart!! Plant them a few feet from each other on center and they will adapt to this space.
Growth rate - Very fast
Form - Oval to pyramidal
Exposure - Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

These trees should be planted in a good soil. They do not like clay soil which causes poor drainage. If this sounds like your conditions, just amend the soil so that it ends up being 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 soil, and 1/3 sand. The peat moss will help retain moisture and the sand will help with drainage. Always add about 3 inches of mulch on top of the planting bed. This will help to retain moisture and also prevent weeds.

So if you are looking for a tree that will provide very fast screening, this should definitely be one to purchase. You will be amazed at how much they will grow in just a few years!

Also see:

Green Giant Arbovitae

Norway Spruce

Fast Growing Trees

Privacy Screening

More Evergreen Trees