Pruning Leyland Cypress

Question

I have a hedge of cypress that reached over 30 feet tall and 15 wide. When trimmed back and topped it exposed much dead (brown) branches. Will the Cypress leaf out again from the branches/trunks? Should I trim back the small brown dead branches to expose more of the living branches/trunks to sunlight?

Answer 1

With the leyland cypress, the rule of thumb is to never cut back into bare wood. As long as there are still green fronds on the branches, you can cut back. Branches devoid of foliage will never bud out again and re-grow and you will be left with bare areas that won't be green again. To avoid brown patches, you should prune during the growing season and do not cut into older, leafless growth.

I hope that helps.

For more information on growing cypress trees, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/leyland-cypress/growing-leyland-cypress-trees.htm