Will Leyland Cypress Branches Grow Back? What to Know

The Leyland cypress is a popular evergreen tree known for its fast growth rate and ability to quickly provide privacy and screening. However, some homeowners face disappointment when lower branches die off or are pruned, leaving unattractive bare stems. A common question is: will Leyland cypress branches grow back once lost?

Unfortunately, the answer is generally no. Leyland cypress lacks the ability to produce new shoots along older branches and trunks. This means that once lower branches are removed or die back, they will not regenerate new growth.

Read on to understand why Leyland cypress branches do not grow back, how to maintain the lower canopy, and what to do if branches are accidentally cut or damaged

Why Leyland Cypress Branches Don’t Regrow

Most conifers, including arborvitae, junipers, and Leyland cypress, lack adventitious buds on older wood. Adventitious buds are latent buds that have the ability to sprout out new foliage and branches, even from bare stems

Deciduous trees like oak, maple, and fruit trees have adventitious buds which allow them to readily generate new branch shoots, even on older branches This gives them the ability to recover their foliage relatively quickly after damage

Evergreens like Leyland cypress only have active buds on existing foliage. Along bare stems and branches, there are no dormant buds waiting to sprout new growth.

Therefore, once lower branches drop their greenery due to shading, the bare branches will remain that way permanently. The tree can only produce new growth from the ends of existing green branches.

Preventing Lower Branch Dieback

To prevent unattractive bare lower stems, it’s important to properly care for Leyland cypress trees from the start:

• Choose an appropriate planting site with full sun exposure. Insufficient sunlight will lead to sparse, weak growth.

• Space trees at least 6-10 feet apart and prune regularly to allow air circulation and light penetration.

• Water young trees consistently for the first 2 years until well established.

• Avoid excessive pruning. Never cut into green foliage, only dead branches.

• Apply a 2-3 inch organic mulch layer around the base to help retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula to promote vigorous growth.

With good care and plenty of sunlight, Leyland cypress lower branches should be retained for many years before gradual natural dieback occurs.

Recovering from Lost Branches

If lower branches have already been lost from insufficient sunlight, over-pruning, or other factors, there are a couple options:

• Replace the Tree – If bare stems extend over 50% of the total height, the best option is to remove and replace the Leyland cypress with a new, healthy specimen.

• Underplant with Evergreens – To cover bare stems without removing the tree, underplant with dense evergreen shrubs like boxwood, holly, or arborvitae. Choose varieties that can tolerate shade and eventually reach the desired height.

Accidental Pruning of Branches

Sometimes homeowners or tree care professionals accidentally cut back too far into the live canopy of Leyland cypress. Since new shoots won’t generate from old wood, it’s important to properly respond:

• Clean Cut – If a large branch or section of green growth is cut off, clean up the wound right away. Make a sharp, clean cut just beyond the damaged portion to encourage quick wound closure.

• Seal Wound – Treat any freshly cut wounds over 1 inch in diameter with pruning sealer or tree wound paint to prevent insect and disease problems.

• Be Patient – Give the tree time to slowly generate new growth from the remaining foliage. Don’t over-prune trying to immediately compensate for the damage.

• Provide Care – To encourage new growth, make sure to water during dry periods and fertilize with a quality tree fertilizer. But avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage roots.

• Monitor Health – Watch for signs of stress like needle browning and treat any problems. It may take 2-3 years for full recovery.

Leyland Cypress Branch Regrowth – The Bottom Line

While the Leyland cypress is fast growing when actively foliated, its branches will not regenerate once greenery has been lost. Your best bet is preventing lower branch dieback in the first place through proper planting, sunlight, care, and pruning practices. But if damage does occur, patience and time will allow the upper branches to eventually fill out bare lower stems again.