Leylandii

Hi everyone. We planted a row of leylandii in April. Trust me.....its absolutely necessary that we have a quick growing thick hedge. We're aiming for a 6 foot hedge and we're fully aware of the need for ongoing maintenance.

What we need to know is when do we first start trimming back? Is it too soon? Do we wait until next year? They're about 3-3.5 feet so far.

TIA

 

Hi Larry, I would give them a light trim around about now just on the sides.
I'd aim to maintain a nice taper so that the hedge will always be narrower at the top than at the bottom.
If you ever encounter snow in the future it'll support the weight better that way.
If you keep the shape early on, then a nicely shaped 6ft hedge will soon evolve.
Left unchecked you could end up with a patchy result because if you cut into 'old wood' later there won't be any fresh shoots.

 

Thank you JR. Any other tips would be most welcome. Most people seem to hate leylandii.....but its absolutely necessary in our situation.

 

What is always worrying with Leylandii is how close they are planted to buildings, water supply and sewers. I've had problems with them in the past and wouldn't plant them within 40ft of any of the above.

 

I fully agree with Sheal, and you'll also find that nothing else will grow much in your garden for several metres from the hedge.
Leylandii suck up every drop of water once established....the surrounding garden will become dust dry.
But if you are blocking out a factory or similar, and you've got 'acres' of space then fair enough.

 

That takes me back.. I had a very nice vinca major varigata growing near a specimen conifer years ago and it did grow well.