Leyland Cypress: The Weapon of Choice for Privacy Landscaping

If you are living in suburbia and you have neighbors close to your home, then you are likely capable of understanding the need for privacy landscaping. Sometimes privacy landscaping is done for aesthetic reasons, blocking less pleasant views of other homes or neighboring structures. In other instances, however, privacy landscaping is put in place to ensure that one's neighbors stay off your private property. It's a less than subtle message that states you'd like to remain on your land, while your neighbor should remain on his.

In some circles, the foliage used to create privacy landscaping is broadly referred to as spite hedges. The idea behind spite hedges is that one can plant large trees and shrubs on one's own property that might then restrict the view to and from a neighbor's property. Regardless of the intent of the plantings, the result is often all that matters. When properly planted, trees and shrubs can serve as excellent natural "fencing" between you and your neighbors. And, after all, good fences make good neighbors.

If you're considering privacy landscaping for any reason, the Leyland Cypress is a cost-effective and efficient solution to your needs. This tree grows very quickly, up to 3 feet per year under ideal growing conditions and it is a hearty plant that is able to adapt to most climates. It resembles a Christmas tree in appearance and has a dense covering of leaves, which makes it a great tool for restricting or eliminating sight lines between adjoining properties.

It is a very easy tree to plant and works well in a row or on its own, perhaps nestled in a dark mulch bed among smaller, colorful shrubbery. Pruning the tree is quite simple and, because it is generally a resilient plant, its size can be aggressively managed to fit into most landscaping schemes.

There are some drawbacks to the Leyland Cypress, however. Because of the tree's hardy nature and rapid growth, some people find the tree becoming too big too fast. The trees can easily reach heights of over 70 feet if allowed to grow. To avoid such a problem, it's important to remain vigilant with pruning and maintenance. Another unintended consequence of the tree's rapid growth is that it sometimes can outgrow its root structure and is susceptible to damage or uprooting in high winds or adverse weather conditions. The density of the tree is also a potential problem as it will eliminate any light that may be required by surrounding plants or grasses.

A History of Neighborly Disputes

In 2005 alone, there were over 17,000 documented disputes in England involving Leyland Cypress trees that had become a nuisance among neighbors. In most instances, the trees had been allowed to become enormous and were negatively impacting at least one party. Recent legislation in the UK and Australia has made it easier for authorities to fast track complaints about the trees. Rather than requiring formal legal proceedings, local authorities are now allowed to order trees trimmed or removed that are deemed to be a detriment to reasonable enjoyment of one's land.

There is no doubt that if privacy landscaping - or even spite hedges - is what you're after, then the Leyland Cypress is an excellent solution. The trees grow rapidly and can survive in a fairly wide range of climates. Take a little time to research where to purchase the trees in your area and you can be well on your way to adding a large wall of natural privacy to your property.