Cypress (Leyland & Yellow)
Cupressus / Chamaecyparis species
Leyland Cypress extremely common as privacy hedges throughout Tri-Cities developments. Yellow Cypress native to higher elevations and occasionally planted ornamentally.
Identification
Leyland: 20-35m (65-115ft), Yellow: 30-50m (100-165ft)
Leyland: up to 1m diameter, Yellow: up to 2m with distinctive reddish bark
Scale-like foliage in flattened sprays, similar to cedar but often more yellow-green
Leyland: rare (hybrid), Yellow: small round cones (8-12mm)
Key Identifying Features
- Leyland Cypress: extremely fast-growing hedge plant
- Yellow Cypress (Alaska Cedar): weeping branch tips
- Yellow Cypress: distinctive sulfur smell when foliage crushed
- Both have softer foliage than Western Red Cedar
- Leyland Cypress has more upright, columnar form
Identification Photos
Click any photo to enlarge. Photos help with identification but may vary by age, season, and location.
Tree Care
Watering
Leyland: drought-tolerant once established. Yellow Cypress: prefers moist, cool conditions.
Pruning
Leyland: prune regularly to maintain as hedge, do not cut into old wood. Yellow Cypress: minimal pruning needed.
Best time: Late spring to early summer for hedge maintenance
Common Issues
- Leyland: Seiridium canker (causes dieback)
- Leyland: Bagworm
- Yellow Cypress: Yellow cedar decline (climate-related)
- Both: Root rot in poorly drained soil
Maintenance Notes
Leyland: High maintenance as hedge (2-3 trims per year). Yellow Cypress: Low maintenance.
Root System
Shallow to moderate spreading root system
Roots typically extend to or slightly beyond the drip line
Potential Concerns
- Leyland: can heave sidewalks in hedge situations
- Yellow Cypress: less aggressive than cedars
- Both: sensitive to root disturbance
- Hedge plantings concentrate roots along fence lines
Hazard Assessment
Common Failure Modes
- Leyland: stem failure from included bark in multi-leader trees
- Leyland: top-heavy specimens blow over
- Yellow Cypress: large branch failure
- Both: root failure in saturated soil
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Brown patches spreading through foliage
- Resin bleeding from cankers
- Leaning or root plate lifting
- Dieback spreading from base upward
- Splitting at branch unions
Removal Considerations
Key Considerations
- Leyland hedges often contain multiple trees
- Dense foliage makes rigging challenging
- Yellow Cypress can be very large and require crane work
- Hedges may be on property lines requiring neighbor coordination
- Stumps of Leyland will not resprout
Permit Notes
Leyland Cypress (non-native) often exempt from bylaws. Yellow Cypress (native) may be protected.
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