Canker Diseases of Leyland Cypress

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Leyland cypress is one of the most widely used trees in commercial and residential landscapes within the UK and Ireland as a formal hedge, screen, or wind barrier. Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a graceful, rapidly growing evergreen tree that is well adapted for UK and Ireland landscapes. The tree is ideally suited for fertile, well-drained soils. When young, the tree will grow up to 1.0-1.2m per year, even in poor soils. Leyland cypress form a dense, oval or pyramidal outline when left un-pruned, but the slightly pendulous branches will tolerate trimming to create a formal hedge, screen or windbreak.