Leyland Cypress Planting: Simplified Hole Prep Works

Your Elaborate Method Works—But Overkill

Digging 36″ wide, multi‑depth holes with fertilizer spikes gave great results, but spikes can burn roots (concentrated salts).

Recommended Minimum

• Hole: 2–3× root ball width, same depth.
• Backfill: native soil + 25 % compost.
• Fertilizer: mix 1 cup 10‑10‑10 per hole into backfill (not spikes).
• Mulch: 3″ organic, off trunk.

Root Barriers for Highways

If neighbors worry about roots, install Biobarrier® (trifluralin fabric) or HDPE panels vertically at property line—trench once, decades of protection.