Quick Fact: The Leyland cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii) costs $1,730 to $2,350 to plant a 209-foot hedge as of 2026, including $680–$1,300 in labor and $1,050 in plant materials.
Geographic Context
This fast-growing evergreen does best in USDA Zones 6–10, from coastal California all the way to the Mid-Atlantic. Its natural habitat? The Pacific Northwest’s mild, moist climate. That’s why it adapts so well to suburban and rural landscapes where homeowners need quick, dense privacy screens. (Honestly, it’s hard to beat for sheer growth speed.)
Key Details
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Growth rate | 2–3 feet per year |
| Mature height | 40–60 feet |
| Mature width | 15–20 feet |
| Spacing | 3 plants per meter (≈3.3 ft) |
| Cold hardiness | USDA Zones 6–10 |
| Sun exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Water needs | Moderate once established |
Interesting Background
Back in 1888, C.J. Leyland bred this tree on his Welsh estate. The result? A plant that shot to fame in the late 1900s as suburbs got smaller and people craved instant privacy. By 2026, it’s still the most-planted ornamental conifer in North America. (Though some gardeners curse its invasive tendencies in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest.)
Practical Information
Local nurseries in Zones 7–9 charge $20–$35 per 3-gallon plant these days. Professional planting runs $45–$65 per hour for 15–20 hours of work. Before you buy, check your town’s rules—some places cap hedge height at 6–8 feet to cut down on shading and wind issues. Prune every late winter or early spring to keep it healthy and dense. Skip shearing after August, though, or you might get winter burn.
