Question
Can I trim my Leyland Cypress back 2 to 3 ft without damaging the tree and also end up with new growth?  I do not plan on topping the tree.  I look forward to your answer.  Thanks much.

Answer
No if you cut your tree back to 2 -3 feet tall and cut the terminal if the tree does not die you will have only a sparsely foliated bush. This will be a too drastic change for the tree to survive. Conifers usually will not put on foliage on old wood so they need to be trimmed each year when they are small to keep them at a lower height. When you cut the terminal form a conifer you might as well cut the tree down. It will not recover from such a harsh cut. Sorry!