Winter Damage of Leyland Cypress Trees

The Leyland cypress tree is a landscaping and hedging tree commonly found in the southern United States. Depending on the location of the Leyland cypress tree, winter damage can cause browning, and though rare, even kill a Leyland cypress tree. Drought, disease and stress are the top causes of damage in the Leyland cypress tree, and many symptoms of these causes are exacerbated by the winter months.

In many Southwestern states, drought occurs throughout the year, including the winter. Winter drought can leave a Leyland cypress’ needles brown and frail. Though Leyland cypress is usually a drought-resistant tree, a winter drought in combination with a reduction of strong sunlight can leave the tree with some damage, though usually not irreversible damage. If you notice that your Leyland cypress is struggling during the winter, or the needles and stems are browning, water the tree twice a month. If you live in a desert climate, you may need to water the tree up to once a week, especially young trees.

The Leyland cypress is a fairly disease-resistant tree, which increases its popularity. The diseases that do affect the Leyland cypress include needle blight and several types of cankers. All of these diseases, which are forms of fungi, can occur during the winter months when the tree is exposed to a moist environment. If the diseases persist through the winter and into its active growth in the spring, serious damage could occur. Without the proper treatment for these diseases, such as removal of the cankers with sterilized garden sheers, the Leyland cypress tree could die or infect other Leyland cypress trees in the immediate area.

Stress is a common cause of damage during the winter months for the Leyland cypress. Too much water or water deprivation in addition to cold temperatures or minimum sunlight cause stress and shock to the Leyland cypress. If the Leyland cypress faces an abundance of stress, as is the case with many large, drought-resistant trees, the Leyland will be more susceptible to diseases both during the winter months and during the spring.

While these types of winter damage do occur in the Leyland cypress, they are not common. Landscapers and homeowners in Southern regions are attracted to the Leyland cypress because of its drought resistance, disease resistance and general hardiness throughout the year. If damage does occur, it is usually minimal, and with the proper care, does not usually damage the tree.

To prevent winter damage to the Leyland cypress, take precautionary steps depending on your climate, especially for young trees. If you live in region that gets snow and ice, prune back young trees in the fall. It will prevent ice damage and encourage growth in the spring. If you live in a wet climate where cankers commonly form on the tree, remove the cankers as soon as you notice them rather than waiting until the spring. If you live in a dry climate, water your Leyland cypress whenever you feel that the soil is excessively dry. Never transplant Leyland cypress trees in the wintertime, as this could cause additional stress on the tree and prevent it from establishing in a new environment.