Leyland Cypress Alternatives: Why Green Giant Arborvitae Is Superior

Homeowner plans Leyland cypress hedge on ¾-acre lot along chain-link fence.

Leyland Cypress Problems

• Seiridium canker causing widespread branch dieback
• Increasingly unreliable in landscapes
• Short functional lifespan in many regions

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant') Advantages

• 3–5 ft/year growth
• 50+ ft height, narrow spread
• Deep lustrous green, fragrant
• Pest/disease resistant
• Deer & bagworm resistant
• Hardy to -25°F (zones 5–8)
• Tolerates wet clay and drought once established
• Wind/ice/snow resistant
• Trimmable to any height/width

Planting Specs

• 5–6 ft apart for fast screen
• 10–12 ft for specimen spacing
• Deep, well-drained, fertile soil preferred

Alternative: Cleyera

Broadleaf evergreen option: floridata.com/ref/t/ternstro.cfm

Bottom line: Don't plant Leylands. Green Giant is the modern standard for large evergreen screens.