How Fast Does Leylandii Grow?

By Paul Watmore, Director at Grasslands Nursery

Leylandii is the fastest-growing common hedge, putting on around 75–90cm a year — it can reach 2m in just a few years. That speed is its appeal and its catch: you must keep it trimmed, and it never regrows from old wood. Here is what to expect.

How fast does Leylandii grow?

Leylandii (x Cuprocyparis leylandii) grows around 75–90cm a year — faster than any other common hedge. From a typical young plant it can make a 2m screen in just 3–4 years, and left unchecked it will keep going well over 10m.

The speed trade-off

That vigour is why Leylandii has a mixed reputation. It needs two or three trims a year to stay in bounds, and because it will not regrow from old brown wood, you must keep it within the green and decide its final size early. Neglect leads to an oversized hedge that is very hard to bring back — and sometimes to neighbour disputes.

Spacing

Plant Leylandii around 60–100cm apart. Avoid planting too close, which causes bare patches lower down.

Faster privacy without the headache

If you want speed but less maintenance, Thuja grows nearly as fast, is easier to manage and recovers from cutting back, while cherry laurel gives a lush evergreen screen at 30–60cm a year. For instant height, choose root-balled or instant hedging. Browse our Leylandii hedging, and see how to cut a Leylandii hedge.

FAQs

How fast does Leylandii grow?
Around 75 to 90cm a year — the fastest common hedge. It can make a 2m screen in 3 to 4 years.

How far apart should I plant Leylandii?
Around 60 to 100cm apart. Avoid planting too close, which causes bare patches low down.

Why does Leylandii have a bad reputation?
Because of its speed: it needs frequent trimming, will not regrow from old wood, and if neglected becomes oversized and a common cause of high-hedge disputes.

What is a faster-growing alternative that is easier to manage?
Thuja grows nearly as fast but is easier to control and recovers from cutting back; cherry laurel gives a lush evergreen screen at 30 to 60cm a year.

About the author: Paul Watmore is a director at Grasslands Nursery, a family-run plant nursery near Knutsford, Cheshire, growing hedging, pleached trees and specimen plants since 1984. Meet the team →