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Old 28-11-2004, 09:33 PM
vcardaro vcardaro is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Nov 2004
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I also live in Long Island and have extensive experience with Leylands. They do not like wet feet (ie sitting in clay for instance). They should not be planted in fall/early winter due to the last 2 brutal winters we've had out here. Thousands of leylands wre lost all over LI. Additionally it is much better to plant smaller material (5/6' 6/8') for better chance at survival. NEVER plant anything over 12-14' -- it's just not worth the risk.
I've really soured on this this tree in the past 3-4 years. It's a beautiful evergreen, fast-growing and all that, makes for great privacy screens etc... but they cannot tolerate a cold north wind and we've had plenty of that lately. Here in zone 7, we've actually had zone 6 winters for the past 2 years and another one is predicted for this year (04-05).
YOu can dig around the tree, auger holes beyond the root ball and fill with bankrun (gravel/sand) to facillitate drainage. Amend also with compost. Do not use peat.
Also, keep in mind that leylands are famous for seemingly beating these winters but as soon as it warms up in April/May, they start to turn brown, and many die by June/July. This is typical. The good news about leyland though is that they can be shorn and will come back, and quickly.
Vic