If I Cut Back ONE Side Of A Leylandii Hedge To Within A Few Inches Of The Trunk – What Happens To The Other Side?

Question

I know the reduced side (north facing) would not recover (and would thus leave a \’wall\’ of tangled cut brown \’stumplets\’) but will the other side continue to flourish OK? The south facing side is well maintained with the tight, green \’surface\’ less than a foot from the trunks. The north facing side has been poorly maintained and is now overgrown and not at all dense. The vertical surface on this side is typically three feet away from the trunks and has almost as much brown, dying and dead fronds as it has green. As this side is an eye-sore and cannot be recovered, I\’m considering removing it completely . . . but I would want to leave the good side to continue to provide the excellent screening currently enjoyed.

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Answer 1

It will likely survive, but might not look its best on the other side for some time, as it recovers. They can typically handle a good pruning, but will need just a little time to start growing again on your good side. Maintenance pruning every year will keep the other side nice and green.

Also, you may want to treat with a fungicide. I notice some spots that may be concerning, as well as the brown area in the photo.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/leyland-cypress/pruning-leyland-cypress.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/leyland-cypress/growing-leyland-cypress-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm