At the end of the first field session, basal prune the seedlings to develop a 6 to 8 inch handle at the base of the seedling. The upswept branching habit may preclude basal pruning in later years, as removal of upswept branches from the base of the tree may leave large gaps in the crown. Each spring, remove or prune back any double leaders to favor a single main stem. Use these cuttings to root next year's transplants. During the year of marketing, more precise shearing of the body of the tree may be required to achieve a uniform shape.
Most growers find that it takes only minor shearing to produce a marketable tree.
Diseases and Pests Leyland cypress has few diseases and pest problems. However, there are several organisms that have been reported to injure or kill Leyland cypress. The fungus causing this disease is present at low levels on many native trees in Georgia forests. Although this organism does not significantly affect native trees, it can injure Leyland cypress. The symptom of this disease is an oozing of yellowish sap-like substance on the trunk or branches.