Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

The popularity of the Leyland Cypress as a "Living Fence"TM screen is indeed no coincidence. This vigorous plant can almost be seen growing as it stretches its branches to the sky in its quest for the clouds. In virtually no time will this hardy and attractive conifer form and shape itself into the coveted "Living Fence"TM. This soft-needled evergreen's leaves are medium green in color. The Leyland Cypress is happiest in the full sun and Pryor's Nursery recommends it be planted in such locations only, if the growth rate is to be achieved. This hardy tree is pyramidal to cylindrical in shape and it can grow as much as 1.5 feet per year or more. Its care is simple but does demand water in the hot months when young. These trees can grow very tall at maturity but can be pruned indefinitely to retain the desired shape.

While no plant is trouble free, the Leyland Cypress attracts few pests in the landscape. The insect which may be present on the Leyland is the bagworm. No preventative measures are necessary. Treatment is only needed when the insect's presence is detected. They start appearing around July 4 and are about the size of a grain of rice. Products containing BT are effective against the bagworm when they are in this early stage. BT is a bacteria that attacks the insect. Follow label insructions to the letter.

In the late 1970's, the leyland was thought to be trouble free. But now we see on some a cankar, which is a small wound which leaks sap. While many people say it's a problem, the state of MD Dept. of Pesticides lecture given by Ethyl Dutkey in 12/98 stated she observed some infected plants. She noticed that when the plants were taken care of properly(water, fertilizer, etc.), the plants grew thru the problem and are large, healthy plants. Therefore, I am recommending no chemical treatments for this pathogen. In conclusion, if a leyland develops canker, a bonafide food and watering program is recommended for a quick recovery.

Nellie Steven's Holly (Ilex x Nellie R. Stevens)

The Nellie Steven's Holly is a robust evergreen Holly that grows well in various landscaping situations. This plant is a broadly shaped pyramidal tree or tall shrub. The glossy dark green leaves of the Nellie Stevens coupled with its bright red berries provide stunning fall coloring. The Nellie Stevens Holly is a delightful addition to any landscape and it does well as a "Living Fence" TM OR as a specimen tree. This tree demands fairly simple care. The Nellie Steven's Holly can achieve a yearly growth rate between 6-12" per year. This plant does well in full sun and/or partial shade.

Nellies are nearly care free evergreens. In the nursery the only insect we have seen damaging the trees are tent caterpillars, which can be swept off with a broom. The waxy cuticle of the holly makes it difficult for insects to penetrate. Aphids do attack new succulent growth. If the infestation is not severe, spraying is not necessary. Once the new growth has hardened off, insect activity will be slowed tremendously or completely halted.

Tiny black spots(1-2mm in diameter) sometimes appear on the holly leaves. I asked our MD State Nursery Inspector what they were. I could not find the causual agent. She said that as the new leaves emerge, the new cells occasionally sun scald. These cells later blacken into the small black circles. No treatment is needed.