Moving 15–20 Foot Leyland Cypress: Root Ball Requirements and Pruning Alternative

Can Large Leyland Cypress Be Transplanted?

Three trees, 15–20 ft tall, near a house. Owner considers moving or heavy pruning.

Transplant Feasibility

• Root ball: 12″ wide per inch of trunk diameter.
• 3-inch trunk → 36″ wide × 18–24″ deep ball.
• Weight: hundreds of pounds; requires equipment.
• Best time: spring after thaw, before bud swell.
• New hole: twice ball size; backfill with potting soil; mulch.

Pruning Alternative

If moving isn’t practical, prune no more than ⅓ of height per year. See RHS guide: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0402/pruning_leylandii.asp

Transplant Reference

https://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm