Ask Ferris: Leyland Cypress
Dear Ferris,
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
—Chris
Dear Chris,
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. Leyland Cypress tress are particularly attractive to bagworms. Look for small larvae sacks that resemble pine cones.
I should mention that, if bagworms are the issue with your Leyland Cypress trees, 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.
Ferris Crilly
Free Arborist Consultation
An ISA certified arborist will contact you within 24 hours. All fields marked with a red asterisk * are required.
More About Tree Care
Pro Arbor Revived Trees for Golf Club — Six Red Sunset Maples flanking the entrance of the clubhouse caused great concern that if any of them failed it would destroy the symmetry of the landscape.
Oak Wilt in Trees — This is a fungal disease that has devastating effects on Oak trees of all varieties and ages.
Tree Roots Invading the Lawn — There is precious little space to grow turf grass and flowers in a suburban lawn. When there is a large tree in the way that task can seem nearly impossible.
Tree Damage from Snow Storms — The fibers on the outside of the bend have been put under tension
Snow damaged trees and your landscape restoration — The question most asked of arborists is, "Can you save it?"
Invasive Weeds and Tree Species — "Usually I'm killing things, but today I get to plant things!"
Dangerous Downed Trees from Storm Damage — In both cases the trees were broken on their main stems causing the tops to fall toward the house.
Carpenter Ants in Oak Tree Trunk — Please do not fill a cavity in a tree with anything.
River Birch Tree with Leaning Problem — The best way to address the issue is to have one of Pro Arbor's certified arborists come out and visually assess the tree's current condition.
Leyland Cypress Trees — 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.
Tree Care, Circling and Girdling Tree Roots — If this is done before the tree is planted, and the tree is planted properly, then there should be no circling or girdling issues as it grows.
Altoona PA Tree Service Company, ProArbor — If this is done before the tree is planted, and the tree is planted properly, then there should be no circling or girdling issues as it grows.
Review of Pro Arbor Tree Service in Arlington, VA — As promised, I'm sharing the information of the company we went ahead with for the removal of our plum tree.
Tree Risk Assessments — Tree risk assessing involves determining the risk that a tree poses to your family, your property, and the other trees around it.
Tree Root Irrigation Bag Trouble — The bags were full, and the trees were mulched with a 3" layer of composted hardwood mulch
Help/advice on planting new 3 ft trees — Summer is an especially challenging time of year to plant a tree. The heat is very hard on the roots.
