Leylandii Pruning – When’s the Best Time of Year?
When should you prune a leylandii tree? Why is leylandii tree pruning important? And what are the most prevalent leylandii tree diseases? Read on to discover all you need to know…
Leylandii, also known as Leyland cypress and officially as Cupressus x leylandii, is a well-known conifer tree, renowned for its super-fast growth to towering heights of around 40 metres. It’s a non-native species, however this is not to say leylandii is not very common in the UK, in fact it is extensively used across the country for boundary screening.
Because it is valued for its wind and sound absorbing qualities, the tree is often found in residential settings, which in some cases leads to neighbour disputes where the trees are allowed to continue to grow uncontrolled.
If you have leylandii growing on your land, you should be aware of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003: Part 8 which states that if a hedge, in other words a row of two or more predominantly evergreen trees, is allowed to reach a height that exceeds two metres, then it will be classed as a ‘high hedge’ and therefore governed by legislation which is designed to protect people from nuisance.
Why prune a leylandii tree?
Generally leylandii doesn’t really need much in the way of pruning, although it is good practice to trim periodically so that a nice shape is maintained. In addition, crossing or malformed branches should be removed so as to promote good structure and keep the air flowing. This all helps to keep the tree healthy.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for diseased or decaying branches and to remove those as soon as they are spotted, especially if they are posing a hazard.
When is the best time for leylandii pruning?
Leylandii pruning should be approached with great care and only carried out between the months of April and August. Three cuts can be made during the growing season providing
Always remember that conifer trees such as leylandii will not stand up to hard pruning. Be sure never to cut into old wood as it will not regrow. Only prune the young green shoots.
What to look for when pruning a leylandii tree
Leylandii is known to suffer from honey fungus. Check for decaying roots, white fungus between the bark and the wood and sudden death. You may also spot rhizomorphs. These are strand-like structures that derive from fungi. They take on the appearance of roots and are commonly found beneath the bark of dying trees or wrapped around decaying stumps.
Also look out for brown patches. These could be due to a number of factors including scale insects, the cypress aphid, canker, adverse growing conditions or over-pruning.
Tree Preservation Orders
You must never proceed with any tree work where a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in place. You will need to investigate this before going ahead because if there is one then you will need to apply to the local authority for permission to carry out works and this could take up to eight weeks to be granted. In addition, if the tree is located in a conservation area, you’ll need permission before undertaking works of any kind.
The importance of leylandii pruning expertise
If you are keen to make sure your Leyland cypress tree is treated to top level care and you also want to ensure any leylandii diseases are spotted in good time so that they can be dealt with swiftly then your best bet is to engage the assistance of a qualified tree surgeon.
Tree surgeons are professionals who know exactly when and how to conduct leylandii pruning and they also know how to spot and handle any signs of disease.
When choosing a tree surgeon, always demand checkable references and certificates that prove the qualifications they say they have. You should also ask to see insurance documents for reassurance you are covered for the work being undertaken. Finally, wherever possible, do what you can to engage a tree surgeon with Trading Standards and local authority approval for a guarantee of quality and value for money.
If you have a leylandii tree that needs pruning, why not contact T.H. Tree Services? As fully qualified and long term experienced Trading Standards and local authority approved tree surgeons, we can offer specialist expertise across all aspects of leylandii tree pruning. For a free, no-obligation quotation, contact our friendly experts on 01268 642814 or get in touch here.
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