Murray Cypress (Fast-Growing Leyland Alternative) — Live Privacy Tree

Murray Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii 'Murray') is the improved Leyland Cypress — a large-scale privacy tree that grows 3–4 feet per year, forms a dense pyramidal screen, and solves the biggest problem with standard Leylands: disease. Murray Cypress has been selected specifically for its superior resistance to canker blights and branch dieback that commonly devastate Leyland Cypress plantings. The result is a fast, tough, long-lived privacy tree that's ideal for large properties, farm boundaries, windbreaks, and commercial screening.

Why Gardeners Choose Murray Cypress

• Very fast growing: 3–4 feet per year — one of the fastest large-scale privacy trees available.
• Disease resistant: Significantly more resistant to Seiridium canker and other blights that commonly kill standard Leyland Cypress.
• Excellent wind and sound buffer: Dense, feathery branching absorbs wind loads and reduces noise effectively along busy roads and property lines.
• Heat and humidity tolerant: Performs well in hot, humid southern climates where other fast-growing conifers struggle.
• Adaptable: Handles clay, sandy, and lean soils with basic drainage.
• Low maintenance: No pruning required for natural form; tolerates heavy shearing for a formal hedge.

Planting & Care

• Light: Full sun; 6–8 hours minimum daily.
• Soil: Adaptable to clay, sandy, and lean soils; requires basic drainage.
• Spacing: 6–10 feet on center for a standard screen; 8 feet apart in a staggered double row for a dense shelterbelt.
• Watering: Deep weekly watering April through October in the first season; mulch around the base to retain moisture. Drought tolerant once established.
• Long-term care: Very low maintenance once established; optional light shearing for a formal hedge look.

Shipping Information

• Ships in 2.5-inch pots, pint, and quart containers, fully rooted and ready to plant.