Leyland Cypress Hedge Browning: Foliage Disease, Likely Fatal

8 ft × 20 ft Leyland hedge brown/dead in middle. Will it recover, stay dead, or spread?

Prognosis: Poor

Leylands suffer multiple fatal foliage diseases (Seiridium canker, Botryosphaeria, Passalora needle blight). Conifers don't releaf on dead wood.

Reality

• Brown center = dead, won't regreen
• Will likely spread
• Arborist can confirm, but replacement usually needed

Better Replacement

Green Giant Thuja — more disease-resistant, similar form.

Reference

UGA Leyland Disease Guide