Leylandii

[daftgrandad]

Could someone answer a question for me please ?
If you trim the tops off them periodically,will this arrest the growth upwards and encourage them to form
a manageable hedge eventually.

[landscaper2]

The leylandii will continues to want to grow upward and outward at a rate of knots. They can be trimmed to the size you want by regular trimming at least twice a year which will thicken the hedge. It will not re-grow from 'bare wood' so dont take it back too far.

[daftgrandad]

Thankyou very much Landscaper,for a very informative answer.
Regards dg

[McMouse]

My "late" Leylandii put on about 3' per year and got thicker and thicker. I eventually got too cheesed off with the regular effort required to keep them in trim at about 12' high and took the chainsaw to them. Best thing I ever did.

[madmaggot]

Try planting slow growing conifers instead. These will make a good hedge in time but will not grow at the unmanageable rate that Leylandii do. Or, even better, why not plant a hedge of native plants such as cob or hazel nut, black thorn or hawthorn all will form a good hedge and as a bonus give you a crop of nuts, sloes or haws as well,

[AlBags]

Best place to prune Leylandii ?......
Just down ... right at the base of the trunk .. flush with the ground : )

[craft1948]

Oh dear I'm planting some next month :-(

[dingaling]

I agree Albags, but what happens to the roots!!!!! Ours is a hedge about 12' long and about 4' in depth. It drives me mad, blocks the light and stops anything growing near it.Where do you start getting rid please?
P.S. Tell me you were kidding craft1948!

[landscaper2]

Best bet is to get two or three reputable tree surgeons round to quote for cutting down, stump grinding roots and taking all away. Probably be cheaper than you think.
Pay only on completion when you are happy with the result.

[lardhelmet]

I've got some big mothers at the bottom of my garden - trouble is they're not mine. They belong to the house whose garden backs on to mine. They're a right pain and block all the light- they should be banned (the trees, not the neighbours)