The bastard or Leyland cypress is considered easy to care for, fast growing and hardy. It is just as suitable as a solitary plant as for planting a privacy hedge. However, this only looks good if it is cut into shape.

Rift cypresses need to be pruned several times a year

Do I need to prune my bastard cypress regularly?

Without any pruning, the bastard cypress can reach 20 to 30 meters in height. If you don't want that, you should regularly reach for the knife. The same is also true if you have planted a hedge of bastard cypress trees. This needs a topiary up to three times a year.

When should I prune the bastard cypress for the first time?

A young cypress does not need any pruning at first, but rather time to grow well and form strong roots. Regular water supply is very helpful. If it is dry for a long period of time, water the cypress. In the year after planting, you then start with a careful pruning.

How often do I need to prune my bastard cypress?

The frequency of pruning depends on various circumstances, such as the location and purpose of the planting, but also the prevailing weather conditions. Expect to have to prune your bastard cypress back two to three times a year. Above all, a cypress stern should be pruned often enough so that it gets a nice shape and then keeps it later.

What should I consider when cutting?

As with any plant pruning, you should rigorously remove all diseased and dry shoots. After that, you can cut your bastard cypress into almost any shape you want. This is quite easy, as the cypress grows nice and dense and quite stable.

If you have planted a hedge with these cypresses, then let the plants grow together so that there are no gaps or existing gaps grow over time. In the appropriate places, limit the pruning to the absolutely necessary minimum.

The essentials in brief:

  • do not prune at all in the year of planting
  • a maximum of 2 cuts in the following year
  • older cypresses may be pruned more frequently
  • Remove diseased and dry branches regularly
  • is excellent for topiary

tips

Without pruning, your bastard cypress can grow to enormous proportions, so start pruning early.

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