Leylandii or Arborvitae – Which Is Better for Modern Hedges

Leylandii – Why We Planted Them Instead of Arborvitae and Why I Finally Understand Why People Love Them So Much

There are plants people often judge before truly understanding them.

Leylandii were exactly that for me.

For a long time, I associated them with those huge, dark, suffocating hedges that swallow light and make a yard feel somewhere between a fortress and a cemetery park. Then I started seeing them used in well-designed gardens. And I realized the problem wasn’t the plant itself, but the way it was being used.

Today we have Leylandii in our yard and honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine achieving the same feeling of privacy, wind protection, and lush green structure with another plant in such a short amount of time.

But there’s something important almost nobody says honestly: Leylandii are not a “carefree solution.” They are a very good solution if you understand what they do and what you actually want from them.

The problem with Leylandii is rarely the plant itself. It’s almost always the way people use it.

What Exactly Are Leylandii?

Leyland Cypress (Leylandii) is a fast-growing evergreen hybrid created from two different conifer species.

And “fast-growing” is not marketing exaggeration.

Under good conditions, Leylandii can:

• grow 60–100 cm per year;
• sometimes even more;
• and quickly create a true green wall.

That’s exactly what makes them so popular.

Why We Chose Leylandii Instead of Arborvitae

I’ll be honest — at first, I was considering arborvitae too. Like almost everyone in Bulgaria.

Then I started noticing what happens to many of them after a few years:

• browning from the inside;
• drying out;
• bare sections;
• mites;
• diseases;
• a heavy, tired appearance;
• entire rows dying after extremely hot summers.

And I began noticing something else — many arborvitae hedges only look good during the first years.

Leylandii felt:

• more alive;
• more natural;
• visually softer;
• more heat-tolerant;
• faster growing;
• and somehow closer to a real tree rather than a “green fence.”

The Biggest Advantage – They Create the Garden

This sounds strange, but it’s true.

There’s a huge difference between an exposed yard and a space wrapped in greenery.

Leylandii change the microclimate. They:

• block wind;
• reduce noise;
• create a sense of calm;
• hide neighboring buildings;
• make the garden feel more private;
• and visually frame the rest of the landscape.

Once they mature, everything in the garden starts looking more complete.

Leylandii don’t just hide the yard. They change the way the entire space feels.

But Why Do Some Leylandii Look Beautiful While Others Feel Oppressive?

Because this plant requires discipline.

If they:

• are never pruned;
• are planted too close together;
• are allowed to grow 10–15 meters tall;
• are never shaped properly,

they really can become visually heavy and aggressive.

But when maintained correctly, Leylandii can look incredibly elegant and modern.

I personally prefer:

• more natural forms;
• slight movement;
• not perfectly rigid “military-style” walls.

That approach looks far more luxurious.

Leylandii vs Arborvitae – An Honest Comparison

And What About Cherry Laurel?

Many people today replace arborvitae with cherry laurel. And for good reason.

Cherry laurel:

• looks extremely luxurious;
• has large glossy leaves;
• feels modern;
• creates a dense hedge.

But in Bulgarian conditions, I think it has one major weakness — in very hot and dry areas, it tends to suffer much more.

Especially:

• in full sun;
• with strong wind;
• without reliable irrigation.

Leylandii are simply more tolerant of extreme conditions.

What I Learned About Leylandii Over Time

That they’re not just a “fence.”

They’re the backdrop of the entire garden.

When you have a strong evergreen structure:

• flowers stand out more;
• trees look more beautiful;
• the space feels calmer;
• the garden looks more finished.

And that’s exactly why I see Leylandii completely differently today.

How I Would Use Them Today

If I were designing a new yard today, I’d combine them with:

• ornamental grasses;
• olive trees;
• photinias;
• lighter-colored trees;
• more air and movement between plantings.

The most beautiful hedges don’t look like walls. They look like part of the landscape.

Are There Any Downsides?

Yes. And it’s important to talk about them honestly.

Leylandii:

• are not suitable for tiny low-maintenance gardens;
• are not “plant and forget” trees;
• can become excessively large;
• cast significant shade;
• and if neglected, they start dominating the space.

But if someone wants:

• fast results;
• privacy;
• year-round greenery;
• wind protection;
• and a beautiful evergreen backdrop,

it’s difficult to find a more effective plant.

To Me, Leylandii Are Like Good Architecture

They’re not the flower that grabs attention first.

But without them, the entire space wouldn’t look nearly as good.

And maybe that’s exactly why so many people underestimate them at first… and then start planting more.