Hello all! We're in Maryland and digging out from Snowpocalypse this week (almost 3 feet of snow in an area that rarely gets more than a few inches). Our row of six unstaked, 4-year-old Leyland cypresses, now about 15-20' high, were covered and severely bent over by the snow--several are lying almost flat to the ground, others are at a 45-degree angle. We love these trees and really want to save them if at all possible.
Question: Once the snow melts, I think I'll have to guy up these trees with stakes and line (padding the trunks to prevent rope damage) and hope they remember how to grow straight up! I'll also re-mulch them because, well, it couldn't hurt and maybe the extra "tree food" will help. Does anyone have any other advice/warnings for saving these trees? Many thanks! --Erik
That is typical of Leyland Cypress- they grow super fast and their branches tend to be thin and flexible, although sometimes breaking under snow loads. Unfortunately, these trees tend to be short-lived.
Staking will definitely help. Check the root ball also to see if it has been partially pulled out of the ground. If the ball is partially out of the ground staking should return it to its original position. You'll probably need to leave the stakes and guy wires on for one year. Turnbuckles on the wires will help for adjusting the tension.
It's a good idea to wait until the snow melts. Trying to straighten the trees when it is cold/frozen could cause more damage to the tree.
Staking will definitely help. Check the root ball also to see if it has been partially pulled out of the ground. If the ball is partially out of the ground staking should return it to its original position. You'll probably need to leave the stakes and guy wires on for one year. Turnbuckles on the wires will help for adjusting the tension.
It's a good idea to wait until the snow melts. Trying to straighten the trees when it is cold/frozen could cause more damage to the tree.