leylands turning brownGiven how lush and healthy they usually look, Leylands turning brown can be an alarming sight. These evergreens are notable for their rapid growth, feathery needles, and flat branches. When they grow to their adult height, specimens have a noble, pyramid-like shape and provide an attractive covering in the winter for various game and songbirds. Plus, the trees can undergo regular pruning without negative consequences.

If they are turning brown, the first thing you need to do is identify the reason. Understanding what is ailing your Leyland cypress will help you to pinpoint the solution. Read on for some of the possibilities you should consider.

Temperature Changes Can Harm Trees

Although Leylands are typically hardy against cold weather, sudden shifts in temperature can be harmful. They don’t tolerate rapid fluctuations very well, and extended periods of windy weather can dry them out. Since Leylands are commonly utilized for breaking wind gusts and protecting against the elements, they are more susceptible to damage of this nature.

Extreme temperature swings can kill off the water-conducting layer within the tree, contributing to browning over time. Dieback, when leaves begin to die from their tips inward, is another symptom of weather-based damage in Leylands.

Leylands and Canker Diseases

Your trees could also be changing colors due to diseases like cankers. Caused by a fungus, it can lead to branch dieback that eventually moves into the cypress’s main trunk if the issue isn’t handled. If this occurs, the entire tree can die, but you can avoid this if you keep a lookout for the signs of canker disease.

Symptoms can manifest as sunken patches on branches, usually dark brown. You might also notice small fungal growths within the cankers. The tips of impacted branches tend to shift to brown or yellow colors.

Cypresses and the Blight

Blight is a plant disease that causes accelerated browning followed by death in leaves and branches. Kabatina tip blight is a variation of the affliction that causes Leyland shoots to turn brown and then scarlet. Overall, blight produces discolored needles that begin brown and turn gray before potentially falling early.

Blight damages branches and slows down a tree’s growth, but death can occur if the damage is extensive enough. Specimens could also die if their growth is overly stunted before the seasons change. Removing affected areas cleanly can help ease the disease’s severity.

How Do I Treat for Leylands Turning Brown?

If your Leyland cypress tree has browned, you can’t reverse the damage that’s already there. Allow for new growth before pruning. If the branch has sustained damage too severely and you don’t see any, try pruning higher on the branch where you can still see green.

For guidelines on taking care of your tree or answers regarding Leylands turning brown, talk to our friendly professionals at Engram’s Tree Service today. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with the expert tree services you need.