Cypresses not only look good in the garden as a single tree. The decorative conifers are also ideal as a privacy screen in front of the terrace or on the garden fence. How to grow a cypress hedge to protect yourself from prying eyes.
How do I create a cypress privacy screen in the garden?
A cypress privacy screen in the garden can be achieved by planting cypress trees 30 to 50 centimeters apart in a sunny, sheltered location and trimming the trees regularly. Make sure there is sufficient planting distance from neighboring properties and possible root spread.
Plant a cypress hedge as a privacy screen
A cypress tree shows rapid growth. That's why you can quickly create a good privacy screen from the trees.
Sunny sheltered location preferred
Cypresses need a location that is as sunny or partially shaded as possible in a protected location. Cypresses don't like too much wind.
The soil must be permeable, nutritious and slightly acidic. The trees do not tolerate waterlogging. They then turn brown and the privacy screen quickly becomes unsightly.
Choose the right planting distance
If you want the privacy screen to be opaque as quickly as possible, plant the cypresses 30 centimeters apart. There are three trees per linear meter. If you're not in a hurry, two trees per meter, spaced 40 to 50 centimeters apart, are enough.
Keep a sufficient distance from neighboring properties. Depending on how high the privacy screen is, the neighbors may feel disturbed. There are also regulations in every municipality that regulate the planting distance from streets and other properties.
Cypresses are shallow-rooted plants that form a strong root system. Therefore, do not place the privacy screen too close to paved garden paths or terrace foundations.
Cut cypress trees regularly
Regular pruning of cypresses is absolutely necessary. Only then will the tree sprout new side shoots. If the privacy screen is not cut, the trees will become bare over time and the hedge will no longer be opaque.
Initially you should trim the cypress hedge twice a year, at least until it reaches the desired final height. Shorten the trees before the hedge is high enough. To do this, cut off around a third of the annual growth. A cypress grows between 40 and 70 centimeters in height per year.
Always cut cypress trees from top to bottom using clean secateurs (€11.00 on Amazon).
Tip
If possible, only buy trees that are already one meter high. These are more robust and not quite as vulnerable to frost. The privacy screen will then close more quickly.