ProArbor Tree Removal Specialists

I have about 30 Leyland Cypress, many of which have turned partially browned in the lower half. Most of the brown and dead branches have fallen off. At the nursery I was told that it was either the soil or more likely the weight of the extensive snow we had this past winter that stressed many of the branches. I was told this has been a wide spread problem in Northern Virginia with Leyland Cypress trees.

How does one tell what the actual cause is and what is the recommended course of action.

Thanks in advance for the assistance.

If the branches that you are referring to are broken from this winter's snow, and they have turned brown, then they should be pruned. The trees will most likely fill in where the limbs have been lost, although it may take some time. If the branches are not broken, but have turned brown, then the tree is likely suffering from some sort of infestation. Lelands are particularly attractive to bagworms. Look for small larvae sacks that resemble pine cones.

I should have mentioned that, if bagworms are the issue, then they should be removed by hand and thrown out with your trash. The larvae sacks are quite resistant to pesticides. If this is not the problem, a consultation with an arborist would be a worthwhile effort, as it seems that you have quite a few of these trees.