- 1). Verify the selected planting location is free of overhead utility lines. Situate the cypress trees at least 30 feet away from buildings and structures.
- 2). Purchase trees that are certified disease-free, particularly in areas such as North Carolina where canker diseases may affect Leyland cypress. Choose young nursery stock trees that are 2 to 3 feet tall to quickly establish a privacy hedge or mass planting.
- 3). Dig a hole 2 feet deep. Poke the sides of the hole with the shovel blade, breaking up the soil to facilitate moisture absorption and root spread.
- 4). Place a 3-inch layer of compost in the bottom of the hole. Fill the hole with water and let it sit overnight to let the moisture drain. Water the the containerized cypress trees thoroughly to loosen the roots.
- 5). Remove the small Leyland cypress from the container. Separate the roots by hand and set into the hole. Fan out the roots and fill the hole with dirt, tamping occasionally to remove air pockets. Ensure the base of the tree, where the roots and trunk join, is even with the surrounding ground level.
- 6). Water newly planted trees immediately. Allow water to run freely from a hose until the surrounding soil is completely soaked. Continue watering the young trees every other week throughout the first two growing seasons, unless rain provides natural moisture. Thereafter, water Leyland cypress during extended dry periods to avoid tree distress that can lead to disease.
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