Leyland Cypress is a fusion between the Alaskarcedar and Monterey cypress. The name was inspired by the person who created it. This evergreen plant tolerates any climatic condition with its optimal growth achieved with a sufficient supply of sunshine. It also requires soils with an excellent drainage characteristic and, just like other plants, occasional fertilization for nutrients.
This article highlights some specifics to achieve the best care for this Leyland cypress and give your hedge or lawn a fantastic, all-year green look.
Among them:
- The top 5 fertilizers for Leyland cypress
- How to care for Leyland cypress
- The best conditions for growing Leyland
The Top Five Fertilizers for Leyland Cypress Trees
Parameter | Miracle-Gro | BioAdvanced | General Hydroponics | Jobes | Osmocote |
N-P2O5-K2O | 18-6-12 | 2-1-1 | 2-1-6 | 13-3-4 | 14-14-14 |
Available sizes | 8 lbs | 10 lbs | 2 lbs | 4 lbs | 50 lbs |
Naturality | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic | Organic |
Coverage (per lbs) | 480 sq ft | 150 sq ft | 250 sq ft | 5 trees | 2500 sq ft |
Frequency of use | Every 3 months | Annually | As needed | Bi-annually | Every 3-4 months |
Miracle-Gro – Best Fertilizer for Leyland Cypress Trees for Accelerated Growth and Robust Root System
Miracle-Gro is the ideal fertilizer for maintaining a green lush on your Leyland tree. It has slow-release technology that supplies the nutrients for up to three months. It provides nutrients to the microbes on and in the soil, which consequently digest natural material into nutrients and also improve aeration and soil drainage properties.
Miracle-Gro is valid for Leyland cypress as it thrives in a slightly acidic environment. Its application is easy and efficient as it does not require any preparation. For maximum results, apply the dry fertilizer within the drop line of the cypress tree, followed by adequate and frequent watering. This hydrophilicity nature of the fertilizer discourages its use during the dry season.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Slow-release technology for extended periods of nutrients supply
- Improves soils aeration and drainage
- Money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with the results
Cons
- Requires frequent watering after application
- Affects the trunk and foliage in case of contact
BioAdvanced – Best Fertilizer for Leyland Cypress that Feeds and Protects the Tree All Year Long
BioAdvanced has a dual functionality that ensures that your cypress trees are nourished and protected in the process. This fertilizer has a slow-release mechanism hence its long-lasting nature. It can prevent infection by insects for up to 12 months. This protection guarantee ascertains the health of your cypress trees and, thus, their good appearance.
The can is supplied with a measuring cup to ensure the right quantity is administered. This fertilizer also boasts of its rainproof nature, making it resistant to run off by rainwater. Its application must be followed by sufficient watering. The high Nitrogen concentration maintains the green color of the tree.
Pros
- Rainproof property
- Kills and protects the plant from numerous pests
- Offers all year round
- Compatible with both garden and potted plants
Cons
- Require constant watering
General Hydroponics – Best Formulation for Leyland Tree Growth
General Hydroponics contains the necessary nutritional building blocks to ensure the trees are well-nourished. It is supplied in triplicates containing primary, secondary, and micronutrients for greening and establishment of a healthy root system. The concentrates are highly soluble for efficient dilution and application hence their natural uptake.
FloraGro enhances the development of a dense and robust root network, FloraMicro is best applied when the plant is blooming and in the initial growth stage. FloraBoom is added when the plant is flowering or fruiting to maximize the yield. The only drawback of this fertilizer is its repeated applications at specific times.
Pros
- Provides specific nutrients at the right time
- Boosts yields
- No mixing needed
- Accelerates growth
Cons
- Repeated specified application
Jobes – Best Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizer for Leyland Cypress Tree
Jobes is an easy to use one-time application spike specially formulated with a slow-release technology to ensure your trees are furnished with nutrients all year long. They supply nutrients directly to the root system, thereby improving the plant’s mineral uptake ability. These spikes ensure your tree stays green all year long with an adequate supply of Nitrogen.
The spikes are inserted around the tree below the drip line with an average distance of one foot from each other. Once entered the deal is done, they will slowly dissolve as they release nutrients into the soils which end up being absorbed by the tree. They are not subject to surface runoff or over-fertilization. They are ideal for acidophilic trees or shrubs hence discouraging their use for plants that prefer a necessary soil condition.
Pros
- Slow-release technology
- Maintains green foliage all year long
- Spikes are easy to install
- Promotes efficient mineral uptake
Cons
- Only suitable for acid-tolerant plants
Osmocote – Best Granular Slow-Release Fertilizer for Leyland Cypress
Osmocote constitutes granulated fertilizer coated in multiple layers of polymeric water-soluble resin to achieve a slow-release operation that feeds the lawns for up to 4 months. This is an economical one-time application fertilizer for the entire season. The granules are dissolved by moisture in the soil and consequently activate the release of nutrients.
There are no hustle or special conditions in the application of Osmocote; all you need to do is spread the granules evenly around the base of your cypress. This feed will supply nutrients for the strengthening of the root system, greening of the foliage, and ultimately thickening of the bark and branches. Always have a dust mask during application to avoid the risk of being exposed to the fertilizer dust.
Pros
- All season long supply of nutrients
- Can be applied at any time
- Economical
Cons
- Often contains hazardous dust
Buyer’s Guide
How Much Fertilizer for Leyland Cypress?
There is no universal measure, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions in terms of quantity of application.
What is the Best Time to Fertilize Leyland Cypress?
The first application should be made during the planting season, preferably, at the commence of spring. After sprouting, subsequent fertilization should follow the fertilization calendar. The primary practice is feeding the tree every four months until it matures after 8-9 months.
What is the Best Plant Food for Leyland Cypress?
According to people that have Leyland on their hedges or backyard, their testimonials hail a lot of praise to general hydroponics. It gives the best results in terms of tree nourishments. This, however, does not discredit the other four brands as they also excellently promote the healthy growth of the Leyland Cypress tree species.
Can I Prune after Fertilization?
Layland has to be periodically pruned to enhance its characteristic conical shape and prevent overgrowth with lateral growth. Pruning a chives best results when done during summer or spring before fertilizing the plant. Should there be a need to prune after fertilization, then it is prudent to wait at least 30 days before pruning your trees. Also, remember to use the right equipment for pruning, and it should be sharp too.
What Is the Best Fertilizer to Achieve an Intense Green Looking Hedge?
Light green coloration of your tree symbolizes deficiency of Nitrogen, though, at times, it may be due to lack of sufficient exposure to sunlight. In this case, supply your tree with a fertilizer with the highest concentration of Nitrogen in its formula. This will restore the plant’s original intense green color and additionally boost the health and strength of the leaves. I recommend Miracle-Gro.
FAQs
Best Time to Fertilize Leyland Cypress?
During the onset of spring or Fall
Best Plant Food for Leyland Cypress?
Osmocote, as it supplies all the nutrients in abundance.
What is the Best Liquid Fertilizer for Leyland?
General Hydroponics would be the best candidate for the job.
What Fertilizer Is the Best When Planting Leyland?
It should be quick-release well-formulated fertilizer like Miracle-Gro.
Does Layland Tolerate Acidic Fertilizers?
This is one of the ideal soil conditions.
Author’s Remarks
Layland Cypress is widely used for its aesthetic value and resilience. It can withstand harsh climatic conditions and maintain its green color all year long to provide your hedge with that exquisite look. All this, however, does not happen without proper care of the plant, which includes periodically applying fertilizer and pruning it to get that conical shape. There is a wide range of fertilizer available; the catch is to select the right one depending on your reliable test results.