Leyland Cypress

What is happening to the cypress trees? They are browning up, flagging, and dying. Yes, the drought is part of the problem, but there is more to it than just drought. All if not most Leyland Cypress trees have bleeding canker and had bleeding canker prior to this weather event. The difference is that when a introduced species like this is planted out of its range the tolerances are challenged. I have not observed many Leyland trees without the sign of old or new bleeding scars, leading me to believe that this tree can tolerate this disease up to a point. Moisture is truly the key though in keeping this tree healthy, when the Cypress is less conducive or dehydrated it is more susceptible to this disease,  growing in the conducting tissue and blocking movement. Moisture management is key to success but in conjunction with tree nutrition(fertilization), a healthy strong tree will always tolerate more adverse conditions than a weak tree. Irrigate and monitor moisture, these trees require 10-15 gallons per diameter inch per watering, do not let it dry out. Know this, it may still not be enough, in extreme conditions as we have seen, drought, wind, sunlight and heat, these trees plain out can not tolerate theses issues, and if you miscalculate watering it would be enough to set in motion the bleeding canker. Call a  Board Certified Master Arborist with expertise in Tree Health Care.

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