Thank you all for your comments and help. Smell test done and it definitely has a citrusy smell and a hint of pineapple, so it's a Thuja!! I had no idea (but them i'm no expert either). When would be the best time to prune it? the top is overgrown with branches forming. is it possible to get it neat again with shorter growth? Thank you once again
thank you for your responses. I remember when i trimmed it, it has a strong smell of something, quite pleasant. I will smell it again tomorrow. do they have different smells?
Thuja has quite a distinct smell, possibly "citrus like" is my best description. From your description l would say it's definitely thuja. To be honest l've no idea if Leylandii has a smell when you cut it.
I did plant a leylandii (a 20cm pot) around autumn last year as there is a corner in my garden where nothing was grown, i bought the leylandii thinking that's what I had growing so i'd complete the hedge. I crushed a leaf today and the smell is nothing like the Thuja. it's just a "leafy" smell. I'm a bit worried now that the leylandii will get too big compared to the rest of the hedge and it's near the boundary.
Thank you all for your comments and help. Smell test done and it definitely has a citrusy smell and a hint of pineapple, so it's a Thuja!! I had no idea (but them i'm no expert either). When would be the best time to prune it? the top is overgrown with branches forming. is it possible to get it neat again with shorter growth? Thank you once again
Anytime away from nesting season and not if it’s gonna be baking hot for days after or icy cold. Other than that just do it when it needs it.
Yes it can be neat again. Try not to cut too much off so that you see bare wood. If you accidentally do it will grow back but it will take a good year or two.
Yes, anytime August onwards ( to avoid any nesting birds, but double check if you can before starting work). Personally l wouldn't cut it any later than the mid to end October depending on whereabouts you live.
Thank you all for your comments and help. Smell test done and it definitely has a citrusy smell and a hint of pineapple, so it's a Thuja!! I had no idea (but them i'm no expert either). When would be the best time to prune it? the top is overgrown with branches forming. is it possible to get it neat again with shorter growth? Thank you once again
Anytime away from nesting season and not if it’s gonna be baking hot for days after or icy cold. Other than that just do it when it needs it.
Yes it can be neat again. Try not to cut too much off so that you see bare wood. If you accidentally do it will grow back but it will take a good year or two.
Yes, anytime August onwards ( to avoid any nesting birds, but double check if you can before starting work). Personally l wouldn't cut it any later than the mid to end October depending on whereabouts you live.
Perfect, thank you for the advice. I'm in Normandy, France. I'll have a check for birds nesting and then make a start on it before the end of October
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Thank you once again
Personally l wouldn't cut it any later than the mid to end October depending on whereabouts you live.