What is going on with my leyland cypress trees?

I would check for a canker.

quote:

---

I would check for a canker.

---

Thanks Ronk. I looked this up. I don't know if this is what my current problem is, but I've certainly had this issue before with these trees. I'd have random branches dying while the branch next to it was perfectly fine. I just didn't know what it was called.

quote:

---

definitely agree with you. My problem is I'm looking for a unicorn of a tree. I need something that can be at least 12' for a privacy screen near my pool. So I also need it to be pretty thin so it doesn't grow over the pool while not shedding into my pool at different times of the year.

---

Look into Green Giant Arbovitae which has a similar look and growth characteristics as Leyland Cypress. According to the LSU AgCenter it does better in our heat and humidity and has become a popular replacement for Leyland Cypress. I don’t have any personal experience with it, maybe others have and can share their experience, as you don’t want to replace one problem tree with another.

Maybe speak with the most knowledgeable staff person at a retail plant nursery. Whatever you plant raise the planting bed/rootball of the tree 4 to 6 inches above lawn grade to promote better drainage around the tree’s root system.