Cindi,

In early spring, I planted 6 Leyland Cypress across the back of my yard to screen neighbors. I love them. They are currently about 7-8 feet tall and I understand their growth habits. Due to their rapid groth habits, I know I should top them once they reach the desired height. Until then, to promote fullness, I understand I should sheer them twice a year. They are currently very full and dense and I want them to keep that appearance and not get to thin like some I have seen.

My question: When are the best times to sheer them? How much should I take off? Is it too late to sheer them this year?

I also planted two Norway Spruce which are also about 8 feet tall. hould I also sheer them once or twice a year to keep their fullness? Same questions as above.

Thanks
Rob Wathen

quote:

training Leyland cypress

I have some wonderful Leyland cypress that I originally obtained from Nat'l Arbor Day Foundation. They are now over 12 ft tall after ~4 years

They are growing well and have a nice standard form. However, their lower branches are tending to swoop upward as opposed to laying closer to the ground. I would really like to have the lower parts of the tree "spread out" and fill in, creating more of a screening effect.

My question: Is it OK or advisable to do some training by maybe gently pulling the lower limbs down? Will the rest of the tree then grown to fill in the lower portions of the tree more?

Any suggestions welcome

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: andrew45611,

You can train evergreens by gently pulling the branches into the direction you desire and tying them with a soft cloth or specialty plant tie.