The Leyland Cyprus tree can grow in excess of 60-foot, but during the 6-foot stage they make perfect Christmas trees.

Covington County Tree Farm owner Bruce Gibbs said the tree is easy to care for while in the home.

“Just put something underneath the pot to protect the floor,” Gibbs said. “Then water it three times a week.”

Gibbs promotes the use of live trees during the holiday season, as he says the trees should be planted after Christmas.

“They make excellent privacy fences,” Gibbs said. “They also cut out the dust and smell of chicken houses.”

According to Gibbs, the tree’s growth potential of 3-feet per year and the long life expectancy makes it an excellent and time efficient investment.

Gibbs gives these suggestions for planting and caring for a Leyland Cyprus:

• they require six hours of daily sun;

• can grown between 60 to 70 feet tall, with a 15-foot wide base;

• prune when dormant in late autumn or late winter;

• feed once per season with continuous release plant food;

• dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place in hole, top root ball level with soil and water well after planting in order to eliminate air pockets; and

• water two to three times a week until established.

For more information, call 334-343-6954 or visit the website www.covingtoncountytreefarm.com.