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The "green" Leylandii (Cupressus × leylandii) is one of the most popular hedging and screening plants in the UK, prized for its fast growth and dense, evergreen foliage. Here's what you need to know about caring for and maintaining a Leylandii hedge or tree in the UK:
Characteristics of Green Leylandii
- Evergreen Foliage: It retains its lush, green colour year-round, making it ideal for privacy hedges and windbreaks.
- Fast Growth: Leylandii can grow up to 90 cm (3 feet) per year, reaching heights of 15–20 metres if left untrimmed.
- Dense Growth: Its compact structure provides excellent privacy and noise reduction.
- Tolerant of UK Conditions:
- Thrives in a range of soils, as long as they are well-drained.
- Tolerates full sun or partial shade.
- Hardy in UK winters.
Planting Green Leylandii
- Spacing:
- For a dense hedge, plant Leylandii 60–100 cm apart.
- Soil Preparation:
- Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with compost or organic matter before planting.
- Watering:
- Water thoroughly after planting and during the first year, especially during dry spells, to establish strong roots.
Care and Maintenance
- Pruning:
- Regular Trimming: Trim at least once or twice a year to maintain the desired shape and size. Avoid cutting into old wood, as Leylandii cannot regenerate from bare branches.
- Ideal trimming times are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (August-September).
- Avoid trimming in very hot or frosty weather to prevent stress.
- Watering:
- Once established, Leylandii is drought-tolerant, but young plants need regular watering in dry weather.
- Feeding:
- Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Mulching:
- Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
