Creating a Privacy Screen with Leyland Cypress
After years of neglecting to establish landscaping at my property boundaries, I stumbled upon fifteen 4-foot Leyland Cypress trees listed on Facebook Marketplace. Recognizing the opportunity, I quickly purchased and planted the trees along the southern edge of the property. I positioned them in a parallel line 8 feet apart and 12 feet from the road’s edge. As these fast-growing evergreens mature, they will create a lush, natural backdrop and privacy screen.
Creating a privacy screen with Leyland Cypress is an excellent way to create a natural and visually appealing barrier. This fast-growing evergreen conifer is a popular choice for privacy screens thanks to its dense, lush foliage and tall, columnar growth habit. When planted in rows or clusters, these resilient trees quickly form an impenetrable green wall that blocks unwanted views and enhances the landscape’s aesthetic appeal. With the ability to grow up to 3 feet per year, you can achieve your desired privacy level surprisingly quickly.
At first, my only concern about adding these trees to the property was ensuring they received adequate water. Little did I realize that this would soon become the least of my worries! While Leyland Cypress are typically known for being deer-resistant, they are not completely immune to deer damage. Just days after planting, one of the trees sustained significant harm, and within two weeks, the deer wreaked havoc on the entire row of newly planted trees. Many were uprooted, and all suffered from broken limbs and stripped bark due to relentless rubbing. As a result, several trees needed replacing and most required replanting. Additionally, a stake and fishing line enclosure had to be created to deter the deer and prevent further damage.
This experience serves as a reminder that even “deer-resistant” plants can fall prey to deer, highlighting the need for vigilance and occasional protective measures for newly planted specimens.
The Effects of Deer on Newly Planted Trees
If you have deer, don’t underestimate the importance of implementing protective measures when introducing new trees to your landscape. Consider using deer repellents or planting companion plants that naturally deter deer as effective strategies. Additionally, regular monitoring of the trees during their early growth stages can help identify potential threats before they escalate. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that your new plantings flourish, providing the privacy and beauty you envision for your outdoor space.