The Leylandii is a fast-growing conifer that can quickly become unmanageable if not properly pruned. If you have a Leylandii on your property, it’s important to know how to properly prune it so that it doesn’t become a nuisance. In this blog post, we will explore how to prune the Leylandii. We will cover when to prune, what tools to use, and how to properly carry out the pruning process. By the end of this post, you will be an expert on pruning the Leylandii!
What is the Leylandii?
Leylandii is a fast-growing evergreen conifer that can reach up to 20m (66ft) in height. It is often used as a hedge or screen, but needs regular pruning to keep it in check. Leylandii can be pruned at any time of year, but the best time is late spring or early summer.
Why do you need to prune it?
If you don’t prune the Leylandii, it will become too big for its allotted space and will begin to crowd out other plants. In addition, unpruned Leylandii can develop weak and leggy growth, which is more susceptible to damage from wind and snow.
When is the best time to prune the Leylandii?
The best time to prune the Leylandii is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
How to prune the Leylandii step by step
Assuming you want to maintain the current size and shape of your Leylandii, you’ll need to follow these steps:
1. Using a pair ofsecateurs, cut back any lateral (side) shoots that are longer than 5-6 inches (15-20cm). Cut these back to within 1/2 an inch (1cm) of their point of origin.
2. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches using the same method.
3. Once you’ve removed the excess growth, you can then start to cut back the main stems (trunks). Cut these back by no more than 1/3 their length, and make sure that your cuts are at a 45 degree angle, just above a node (where the leaves join the stem). This will encourage new growth.
4. Finally, give the entire hedge a light trim to even out the shape and remove any ragged edges.
Conclusion
Pruning the Leylandii can be a bit of a daunting task, but with our tips, you’ll be an expert in no time. The most important thing to remember is to always prune with clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. When pruning, make sure to remove any dead or diseased branches first, and then focus on shaping the plant to your desired look. With a little practice, you’ll have your Leylandii looking great in no time!