Leylandii new growth turning brown

I have a fairly old (20 years old) leylandii hedge at the bottom of my garden about 12ft tall. Two years ago my local Councillor got permission (He is vice chair of the planning committee) to build an enormous house 3ft from my rear boundary and against my hedge. He threatened me that he would be having my hedge down and send me the bill. He cut the hedge back to the trunks his side but so far has done nothing more. As you can imagine the hedge now looks like a lace curtain and you can see right through it. Last year I gave it a good feed but this year large holes are appearing in the foilage my side and new growth is turning brown. Do you think that this could be a sign that the trees have been poisoned or could it be something else? PS. I do keep the hedge trimmed twice a year.

Thanks

Ann

 

There was a report last year of an aphid that was eating Leylandii and causing these brown patches. From what I remember, the aphid ate the tree from the inside out, causing damage and browning to the leaves - by the time its spotted on the outside its usually too late.

I understand new growth will not grow on dead wood (which he's cut right into) so he'll be stuck with them.

 

The RHS have a page that is informative:

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0805/coniferhedge_bare.asp

If the patches are like this then its almost certainly the Aphid:

From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...tains-gardens-climate-change-starts-bite.html

and some more info here:
http://www.gardenseeker.com/plant_pests_problems/plant-pests/leylandii_hedge_dying.htm

 

I have heard about the aphid also, but I have heard about how conifers can be attacked to make it look like an aphid attack.

I shall explain! I'm reliably informed that bleach when it is sprayed onto a conifer plant by a simple misting sprayer will also have the same results as conifer aphid. I personally have never tried it, but I have it from a good source!

You say in your post that you trim your hedge twice a year, is there any chance that you could leave the trimming to just once a year, as I have also know hedges that are too closely trimmed to turn brown in places, but 'come back' green when left to recover. It also may 'fill in' some of the gaps that you speak about.

Hope this Helps!

 

I seem to remember about clipping at certain times of the year, because that can help avoid the times that the aphids are busy. Can't remember the details though, but I think it was cutting quite a bit BEFORE Autumn, but you'd need to check / research that.

 

I hate to say it, but I've heard pouring nitromors (wood stripper) at the base can also kill them.

Leylandii have been the cause of many warring neighbours!

 

Thanks everyone - I will give them another feed. I keep the trees well trimmed to 12ft to avoid any unpleasantness. I don't let them get out of hand and there is nothing overhanging the boundary. Since the trees are to the north of my neighbour they don't cast any shade and he has no garden next to them just a 3ft service area. I can understand people getting upset about leylandii that are never cut but I do look after them.

 

"As you can imagine the hedge now looks like a lace curtain and you can see right through it"

I doubt it is relevant, but you might like to take a look at a "Reviving Leylandii hedge" that I saw on my travels. Pictures in my blog:
http://kgarden.wordpress.com/2008/11/27/reviving-a-leylandii-hedge/

 

If they are casting a huge shadow over your garden, depriving the soil and anything growing in it of nutrients, throwing out massive roots that prevent you digging a hole of any substance up to 6 feet away and you STILL have to cut your side of a hedge you didn't plant and didn't want twice a year, then I can. Sorry, but a lot of people detest these menaces.

As I said, controversial.

 

Sussex Gardner - I cut both sides of the hedge - or get them cut - and the top twice a year - as aI said they don't abut any garden as he has poured concrete to a depth of 2ft against my fence and the only shade they caste is on my own garden. In fact my own garden is now in shade most of the day because of the 7.5 meter house that has been built 3 ft from my fence! I would rather look at leylandii than a concrete wall with a metal roof that slopes towards me which is all I have to look at.

 

Just a general observation on Leylandii. Not necessarily my opinion, although not fond of them either - regardless of my feelings I would never destroy someone else's property and hard work! Sounds like your neighbour is being the difficult one and intent on getting rid of them, one way or the other. He also sounds like a bit of a muppet - cutting into them as hard as he has is only disadvantaging himself as he is left with dead wood to look at all the time.

 

Thanks everyone - Kathy, I have tried most avenues, the fact that my neighbour is the vice chair of planning and got permission through on the nod means that the planning department really aren't interested in anything I have to say. This person has no garden as the house he built occupies the entire footprint of the tiny piece of land he built on. He has just poured cement around it. I suspect he doesn't like any greenery full stop. I do really understand the problems that unkempt leylandii can cause - I can see some from my bedroom widow which must be at least 14 meters tall and they dominate the skyline. However, I feel that there is a place for them if they are well tended and kept. They can provide greenery and privacy in a short space of time and from that point of view can be invaluable. Thanks again, I will keep my fingers crossed that aphid aren't the problem.