Leylandii Hedging for Ultimate Fast Privacy
When it comes to creating a private outdoor space quickly, few plants can rival Leylandii. This fast-growing evergreen conifer is one of the most popular choices for hedging, offering dense coverage and rapid growth. Whether you need to block out neighbours, reduce noise, or create a green barrier around your property, Leylandii is the go-to solution.
What is Leylandii?
Leylandii, also known as Leyland Cypress, is a hybrid of two different cypress trees: Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Nootka Cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis). It was specifically bred to create an excellent hedging plant, combining the best traits of both parent species.
This conifer is renowned for its vigorous growth, reaching approximately three feet per year under optimal conditions. Thanks to its fast growth rate, Leylandii is one of the most cost-effective hedging solutions, providing a significant amount of coverage for a relatively low price.
Why Choose Leylandii?
Unbeatable Growth Rate
The most compelling reason to choose Leylandii is its extraordinary growth rate. At approximately three feet of growth annually, it outpaces Leylandii alternatives for privacy by a significant margin:
- Leylandii: Approximately 3 feet per year
- Laurel: Approximately 1.5 feet per year
- Yew: Approximately 6 inches per year
This rapid growth translates to exceptional value for money and you'll get a substantial hedge for your investment.
Cost-Effective Privacy Solution
Due to its fast growth rate, Leylandii is economical for both growers and customers. We can grow these plants quickly and efficiently on our nursery, passing those savings on to you. For customers seeking immediate privacy solutions without breaking the bank, Leylandii offers unmatched value.
Versatility in Applications
Leylandii works brilliantly in both residential and commercial settings:
Residential Properties
Perfect for homeowners looking to block views from neighboring properties and create private garden spaces.
Commercial Properties
Excellent for businesses, farms, and industrial estates seeking to soften boundaries or screen unsightly buildings, machinery, or structures.
Proper Maintenance: The Key to Success
While Leylandii has occasionally received negative press, these issues typically stem from improper maintenance rather than problems with the plant itself. With the right care approach, your Leylandii hedge can be a beautiful, manageable asset to your property.
Height Control
One of Leylandii's potential challenges is its ultimate height - if left completely unchecked, it can grow to an astonishing 100 feet tall! However, you can avoid your Leylandii hedge taking up too much space with correct, low maintenance pruning:
- Decide on your desired hedge height (for example, 7 feet)
- Once the plants reach this height, cut the tops - this encourages sideways growth for a denser hedge
- Continue to maintain at your chosen height
With regular trimming, you'll prevent vertical growth while promoting a thick, bushy hedge structure.
Regular Trimming Schedule
The golden rule for Leylandii success is "little and often":
- Minimum: Trim once per year (absolute minimum)
- Ideal: Trim twice per year, especially while the hedge is young
- Warning: Avoid leaving Leylandii untrimmed for 2-3 years, as recovery becomes difficult
Regular trimming prevents the woody growth from becoming too thick and ensures your hedge remains dense and attractive. When neglected, Leylandii can develop brown patches when cut back hard, which take considerable time to recover.
Still unsure? Our care and maintenance guide will help you determine the best time to cut your Leylandii hedges and provides essential tips to make the task easier and get the best results.
The Perfect Conditions for Leylandii
For fast growing hedges, Leylandii requires:
- Full sunlight: Unlike Yew, which tolerates shade, Leylandii needs abundant sun to thrive
- Well-drained soil: While adaptable to most soil types, waterlogged conditions should be avoided
- Adequate spacing: Allow appropriate spacing between plants according to your specific hedge goals
Leylandii: Your New Privacy Hedge
When it comes to creating privacy quickly and economically, Leylandii remains the gold standard in hedging plants. With proper maintenance and care, it offers an attractive, effective solution that outperforms most alternatives in terms of growth rate and value.
Whether you're a homeowner seeking a garden hedge for neighborhood privacy or a business looking to enhance your property boundaries, Leylandii deserves serious consideration as your hedging solution of choice.
Browse our online store today to see our extensive range of Leylandii hedging plants. Alternatively, get in touch with a member of the team, who will be happy to discuss your specific hedging needs.