Leyland Cypress and Emerald Green Arborvitae are both really good choices if you want to create privacy and make your yard look nicer.
They each have their own good points, but picking the right one really comes down to how much space you have and what you’re trying to do with it.
Here’s how I decide between them:
- Leyland Cypress grows fast and tall – perfect if you need quick coverage in a large area.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae stays more compact, making it a better fit for smaller yards.
Let’s find out which one works best for your landscape!
Differences Between Arborvitae and Leyland Cypress
Which One Suits Your Needs: Arborvitae or Leyland Cypress?
When it comes to choosing between the Emerald Green Arborvitae and the Leyland Cypress, it really depends on what you want for your garden.
I find that the Emerald Green Arborvitae is a wonderful choice for smaller spaces. Its modest height and easy maintenance make it perfect for lining driveways or planting in medium and small yards.
On the other hand, the Leyland Cypress can create a grand presence in larger landscapes. With its fast growth and towering height, it’s ideal if you’re working with a big yard and want something impressive.
For those in colder regions, the arborvitae’s hardiness might make it a better fit.
Is the Emerald Green Arborvitae Part of the Cypress Family?
The Emerald Green Arborvitae shares some characteristics with cypress trees, but it’s its own type of evergreen conifer. Both produce vibrant foliage year-round. This trait makes them both delightful additions to any yard needing consistent color.
Growth Rate of Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green Arborvitae grows pretty quickly, which is one reason I like them.
In the early years, they can shoot up one to two feet annually, eventually slowing to about nine inches per year as they near their mature height. At full growth, they usually max out at around 15 feet tall, which I find is just right for most privacy fences.
Growth Rate of Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress trees are fast growers as well, making them a popular choice for those who want quick results in their landscaping.
These trees can add about two feet each year until they reach their impressive mature height of up to 60 feet. With this rapid growth, they work well for creating substantial privacy screens or windbreaks.
Spot the Difference: Leyland Cypress and Arborvitae
I can usually tell a Leyland Cypress from an Arborvitae by looking at their height and width.
Leyland Cypress trees are generally much taller, reaching heights up to 60 feet, while the Arborvitae tops out at 15 feet. Also, the Leyland Cypress has a broader spread, measuring between 10 and 15 feet wide compared to the Arborvitae’s more modest 3-4 foot width.
If I look closely at the foliage, the Leyland Cypress’s leaves are often a dark blue-green, soft to the touch, and pointed. The Arborvitae, meanwhile, boasts dense, glossy green leaves that hold their color all year long, formed in a unique scale-like shape.
In a Nutshell
In summary, both the Leyland Cypress and Emerald Green Arborvitae have their places in landscaping.
The Leyland Cypress, with its significant height and width, suits more spacious yards, creating impressive visual barriers.
The Arborvitae, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller areas, offering a compact, manageable choice for privacy and aesthetic appeal.
Each has its strengths, and it all comes down to what fits your garden’s needs.
