Leylandii trimming issues

[oldwoodcutter]

When they want their connies cutting, and they’ve been untouched for a few years, I always make it crystal clear that browning can occur at this time of year, and usually will look worse than before.

On the other hand if someone’s pride n joy connie hedge gets inadvertently shaved by one of my little helpers, and turns brown, I explain that red spider mites have been disturbed and are attacking it .

 

[Peter 1955]

Leylandii are the most unpredictable and awkward plants ever. Cut them and throw them on a bonfire, they will stay green for months. Leave them growing in the ground, they'll go brown and fall over. 

We had a hedge we lowered  a lot ( five or six foot, at least ) at the first cut, after being untouched for a while. No problem. We then  cut it annually for over ten years, with no issues at all. Customer then decided it needed to be 2ft lower, which we did. The bloody thing sulked for a full twelve months, refusing to grow at all. 

 

Yours looks reasonable from the pictures, they are very thirsty blighters though, building control officers can get a bit precious if they see them near new builds/extensions. 

[Peasgood]

I’ve got some that haven’t been trimmed and are doing that 

[maybelateron]

I'm sure you did not take too much off, going by the before and after pics. Looks like you did a good job. I always tell customers I cannot 100% guarantee the outcome after pruning - even if it is a repeat pollard on a really healthy Weeping Willow. That way I cover my arse.

[devon TWiG]

I do not think the browning is caused by trimming too hard , but by trimming off the outer foliage you have exposed some foliage that was previously quite shaded to higher levels of sun than it has had to tolerate and has become  scorched / desiccated ... being ginger it shows up strongly against the green but it should die off completely  before long ...or you can gently  knock or rake it out to lessen the look ....but it is not dying back and the green around should soon take over ....to turn this in to a positive suggest to the  owner that you should trim it gently every year !!

[Gary Prentice]

39 minutes ago, devon TWiG said:

I do not think the browning is caused by trimming too hard , but by trimming off the outer foliage you have exposed some foliage that was previously quite shaded to higher levels of sun than it has had to tolerate and has become  scorched / desiccated

That's my best guess too.

 

I've seen hedges pruned in cool weather stay green for 4-5 weeks before a hot spell starts to see browning off. A close looks reveals that the dying foliage hasn't been cut back and that green foliage, which would have been exposed to sunlight (pre cutting) remains good. 

[PatrickFirwood]

Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciate it ?