leylandi when to prune?

corfiot · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:05 pm Post subject: leylandi when to prune?

According to the net the correct time is spring,just picked Gardeners World up and they say now is a good time?Which is correct or are they both right?

James Kilkelly · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

My feelings on the situation....

Anytime during the month of May is a good time to trim and tidy up a formal Leylandii hedge.
Many people choose to trim in late autumn when giving the garden a late tidy, but I would always avoid this.
The reason being that if you leave a buffer of straggly growth over winter this will offer protection against frosty or cold wind damage, any browned or burnt foliage can be trimmed off during the month of May.
If you had trimmed in late autumn and subsequently received some cold wind damage, you would now have to trim a second time, leaving a rather bare and see through hedge.

corfiot · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks James,those were my thoughts exactly.We are high up and get strong winds---the west always do--as the hedge is there as a windbreak i think i will stick with your suggestion.

vincentdunne · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:15 am Post subject:

Hi Folks,
I always favoured August, for the same reasons, but with less regrowth than if pruned earlier. It will still have time for some regrowth, Works for me!