There are many reasons you may want to consider planting a Leyland cypress tree in your backyard.

There are many reasons you may want to consider planting a Leyland cypress tree in your backyard. A cypress tree works very well as a privacy fence, but you can plant one with them in mind if you love birds or small urban wildlife. They are havens for wildlife. Since these trees are very dense, it protects little creatures from severe weather and predators like hawks or raptors. Birds are especially fond of Cypress trees' sturdy branches and needles that make for excellent nest-building material.

Beautiful female cowbird! Photograph by Rushikesh Subhedar 

I have also planted a couple of cypress trees in my backyard for the apparent reason of privacy. However, it has become the center point for my backyard wildlife. I was amazed to see dozens of bird species sitting, nesting, and feeding near these cypress trees, and very soon, the cypress tree became one of my favorite subjects to photograph birds and urban wildlife.