Leyland Cypress concern - Ask Extension
We have a hedge of Leyland cypress across our back yard, they are about 25-30 feet tall and are over 20 years old. They were topped once about 5 years...
Knowledgebase
Leyland Cypress concern #867291
Asked May 06, 2024, 4:57 PM EDT
We have a hedge of Leyland cypress across our back yard, they are about 25-30 feet tall and are over 20 years old. They were topped once about 5 years ago, taking about 10 feet off. We have read that the life of this particular tree is 20-25 years and that they can become diseased and might have shallow roots and come down in heavy winds. We would like to have a knowledgeable expert look at them and to help determine if they should be removed. Can you make some recommendations for an arborist in the Washington county area please.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Leyland cypress can be 70’ tall and 15’ wide, making them a challenge to grow to maturity in suburban neighborhoods without regular shearing.
I am not able to make a specific arborist recommendation, but we do advise a certified arborist because of the ongoing training requirements. This website will help you find or verify credentials. The City of Portland offers a website here with multiple pages about finding an arborist.
In my experience it helps to be clear about your goals before your first interview. Is it only safety? Tree health? Recovering space and sunlight for other uses? Ask about ongoing costs, for instance if shearing, how often and what the annual estimate is. Ask about any cost of consultation before making an appointment.
I am not able to make a specific arborist recommendation, but we do advise a certified arborist because of the ongoing training requirements. This website will help you find or verify credentials. The City of Portland offers a website here with multiple pages about finding an arborist.
In my experience it helps to be clear about your goals before your first interview. Is it only safety? Tree health? Recovering space and sunlight for other uses? Ask about ongoing costs, for instance if shearing, how often and what the annual estimate is. Ask about any cost of consultation before making an appointment.
