Pruning Lower Half Of Leylandii

[gedk]

Is it possible to cut back the lower branches of a Leylandii tree to the trunk to form a more traditional tree shape and look ?
I only have a small garden, and am looking to create an impression of a slightly bigger garden and for aesthetic reasons.
I am concerned this will damage the tree.

[woofgang]

no, you can cut away the lower branches. I nature, they die and fall off anyway. It wont look like a traditional tree though...google leylandii topiary for examples of what you can do and how to do it.

[divegirl]

I don't see why you can't. We did and they looked fine.

Lisa x

[gedk]

Thank you both, I will google it and see what it brings up

[Chipchopper]

It's entirely possible to have a clear stem on you're Leylandii if you want a bare stemmed tree.
The cut stems will initially weep a very sticky resin, so gloves would be highly recommended when handling the branches etc.
Within a season or to the tree should look like it naturally grew like that.
The area underneath the canopy will probably remain fairly shady, but hey! you will have a lot of extra space!.

[Chipchopper]

Just to add some reassurance here, it is a common forestry practice to clear the lower branches in plantations to prevent thick side branches forming, to improve the quality, of the timber yield. this practice is known as 'Brashing', failing to do this would result in sawn timber with large knots that would be weak, where construction is conserned