How Far Apart To Plant Leyland Cypress For Privacy

If you’re looking for a fast-growing solution to create a private backyard haven, you’ve likely considered the Leyland cypress. Knowing how far apart to plant Leyland cypress for privacy is the single most important decision you’ll make to ensure a dense, beautiful screen. Get the spacing right, and you’ll have a lush green wall in just a few years. Get it wrong, and you could face a host of problems, from thin gaps to diseased trees.

This guide gives you the clear, practical steps you need. We’ll cover the optimal spacing for different goals, the consequences of planting too close or too far, and the simple steps to plant them correctly. Let’s get your privacy screen started.

The standard, recommended spacing for a traditional privacy hedge is 5 to 7 feet apart, measured from the center of one trunk to the center of the next. For most homeowners, planting them 6 feet apart is the sweet spot. This distance allows the trees to grow together and form a solid barrier within 4 to 6 years, while still giving their roots and branches enough room to access resources.

However, your specific situation might call for a slight adjustment. Here’s a quick breakdown:

For a Super-Fast, Dense Screen: You can plant as close as 5 feet apart. The trees will knit together quicker, sometimes in just 3-4 years. The downside is increased competition for water and nutrients, requiring more diligent feeding and watering, and a higher risk of disease as they mature because of reduced air flow.
For a More Natural, Individual Tree Look: Space them 7 to 10 feet apart. They will take longer to form a complete visual block—perhaps 7-10 years—but each tree will have space to develop a stronger, more classic conical shape. This spacing is better for long-term tree health in humid climates.
In a Single Row: Stick to the 5-7 foot rule. This is the most common and effective method for privacy.
In a Staggered Double Row: For an extra-thick, wind-breaking screen, plant two rows with trees spaced 6-8 feet apart within each row. Space the rows 6-8 feet apart from each other, and stagger the trees so each one in the back row sits between two in the front. This uses more trees but creates a very impenetrable barrier.

Why Correct Spacing is Non-Negotiable

It’s tempting to plant these fast-growers extra close for instant gratification. Or, to save money, you might think about spacing them far apart. Both approaches lead to trouble down the road.

The Risks of Planting Too Close

When Leyland cypress are crowded, they compete fiercely for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. This stress weakens them, making them far more suseptible to deadly diseases and pest infestations.

Increased Disease: Fungal diseases like Seiridium and Botryosphaeria cankers thrive in damp, stagnant air. Overcrowded branches create the perfect humid environment for these blights to spread.
Root Competition: Their root systems are shallow and wide. Overcrowded roots can’t gather enough water, leading to drought stress even with regular rainfall.
Uneven Growth and Dieback: The lower branches, shaded out by their neighbors, will brown and die, leaving you with a tall screen that’s bare at the bottom—defeating the purpose of privacy.

The Problems with Planting Too Far Apart

On the other hand, giving them too much room defeats your goal of privacy for a decade or more.

Slow Screen Formation: A gap of 10-12 feet means you’ll wait a very long time for the branches to touch, leaving visible gaps for years.
Wind Damage: Individual trees with too much space can become top-heavy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by strong winds without the mutual support of a tight hedge.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide for Success

Once you’ve chosen your spacing, proper planting sets the foundation. Follow these steps to give your trees the best start.

Call Before You Dig: Always contact your local utility locating service (811 in the US) at least a few days before planting to mark any underground lines.
Measure and Mark: Using stakes and string, mark your planting line. Then, along the string, mark each planting hole according to your chosen spacing (e.g., every 6 feet).
Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is two to three times as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball is tall. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding ground. Never plant it deeper than it was in the nursery pot.
Prepare the Root Ball: Gently remove the tree from its container. If the roots are densely circling the root ball, score the sides with a knife or gently tease them apart with your fingers to encourage outward growth.
Place and Backfill: Set the tree in the hole. Backfill with the native soil you dug out, breaking up any large clumps. Avoid amending the soil with too much compost; you want the roots to adapt to the native soil.
Water Deeply: As you backfill, water periodically to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Once filled, create a low soil berm around the edge of the hole to form a watering basin.
Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like pine bark) around the tree, extending out to the drip line. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.

Essential Care After Planting

Your care in the first few years is critical for establishing a healthy, resilient screen.

Watering Schedule

Consistent moisture is key. For the first year, water deeply 2-3 times per week if there’s no rain. A soaker hose is ideal. After the first year, water during prolonged dry spells. The goal is deep, infrequent watering that encourages deep root growth.

Fertilizing

Wait until after the first growing season to fertilize. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees. Follow the package instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive weak growth.

Pruning and Shaping

You can begin light pruning in the second year to encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Never cut back into old, brown wood; Leylands often will not regenerate growth from bare branches.
Always keep the base of the hedge wider than the top. This “A” shape allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, preventing bare legs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors with these popular trees. Here’s what to watch out for.

Ignoring Mature Size: Leylands can soar to 60-70 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide. Plant them at least 15-20 feet away from your house, power lines, or property lines to avoid future conflicts.
Poor Drainage: They absolutely will not tolerate soggy, waterlogged feet. If your soil drains poorly, consider a different plant or plant them on a raised mound.
Neglecting Air Circulation: Even with correct spacing, avoid planting them in a tight corner with no air movement. Good airflow is your best defense against fungal disease.

FAQ: Your Leyland Cypress Questions Answered

How fast do Leyland cypress grow?

They are one of the fastest-growing evergreens, adding 3 to 4 feet in height per year under ideal conditions until they reach maturity.

What is the best time of year to plant them?

Early fall is ideal, giving the roots time to establish in cool soil before summer heat. Early spring is the second-best option.

Can I plant Leyland cypress 4 feet apart?

You can, but it’s not advisable for long-term health. The intense competition will likely lead to problems within 8-12 years. The initial fast screen may come with a cost later on.

How long until they provide full privacy?

At a 6-foot spacing, expect a good visual barrier in 4-6 years. They will continue to thicken and gain height for many years after that.

Do they make a good noise barrier?

Yes, a thick, multi-row planting can significantly reduce noise. But for a single row, the primary benefit is visual privacy.

What are some good alternatives to Leyland cypress?

If you’re concerned about disease or want a slower-growing option, consider Green Giant Arborvitae, Emerald Green Arborvitae, or Holly hybrids like ‘Nellie R. Stevens’.

Choosing the right spacing for your Leyland cypress is a balance between patience and practicality. By planting them 5 to 7 feet apart, you respect their need for resources while achieving your privacy goal in a reasonable timeframe. Remember, successful gardening is about planning for the future tree, not just the sapling you put in the ground today. With the right start, your green screen will provide beauty and seclusion for many years to come.