Question
I planted 22 leylan cypres trees in the fall of 2007. All trees have survived but my anticipated annual growth has not come close. There has not been any noticeable growth in height since planting and I have a 2" watering pipe to the roots for direct watering. I placed river rock at the base of each hole with a root simulator used during planting. What can i do to get  my trees to grow  2-5 feet annually?

Thanks

Charles

Answer
Leyland cypress has what is classified as a fast growth rate.
揜ate of growth refers to the vertical increase in growth unless specified differently. Rate, as is true for size, is influenced by numerous variables such as soil, drainage, water, fertility, light, exposure, ad infinitum.

揟he designation slow means the plant grows 12?or less per year; medium refers to 13 to 24?of growth per year; and fast to 25?or greater.?br>
I would expect a rate of 1 to two feet for the first couple of years until the root system gets well established. "Espoma Hollytone" is an acidifying fertilizer for plants which like acidic conditions, such as hollies, azaleas, and layland cypress. Use it now but don't over fertilize. Use directions on the bag and apply about 1/2 the recommended amount. Especially in sandy soils, leyland cypress has shown signs of over fertilizing, and therefore it is better to split the application: once early spring after the last frost and one about 60-90 days later.

If you can not find holly-tone, you can also buy 14-7-7 slow release fertilizer (labled as azalea food). It is the same, but just not organic like Holly tone. Finally you can use miracid (from makers of miracle grow) although it is not slow release. Using slow release products when fertilizing Cypress is preferred.