Leyland Cypress dying/dead!

Womble54

We’ve have a Leyland Cypress (I think?) in the garden that seems to have died all of a sudden. It’s been here since we moved in 10 years ago. I cut of most of the lower branches 8 years ago as it blocked out a lot of light.

Since then its seemed perfectly happy, but it’s pretty suddenly gone completely brown. I assume it’s dead. Is there any chance it can be saved?

I’m reluctant to cut it down completely as it’s the support for one end of my hammock, but I don’t want it to be at risk of falling over.

Any suggestions about what might have killed it, any ways to save it, or what I should do with it now would be much appreciated.

Womble54

Obelixx

That is not going to recover but you can keep your hammock support.  Just chop the trunk a couple of feet above the hook.

It looks like you've drilled into the trunk for your hammock - that can kill a tree, especially if there's any copper in the metal.

Womble54

Thanks Obelixx.
I drilled in the hammock hook about 9 years ago. If that is the culprit it’s taken it’s time.

Obelixx

It would.  You have broken the cambian layer which sends all the water and nutrients in the sap up to the growing parts of the tree.   Fatal but can be a slow death.

Womble54

Oops!