You are planning to shear this to fit in that small space?

The staking of the cypess makes me suspect they are rootbound (a pretty much general occurrence with this fast-growing item, in an industry that often appears to care little about proper management of plant roots in containers). If this is not corrected now they may topple later, when tops are taller and heavier.

No, they are not rootbound, they came from the best nursery in our area and are very healthy trees.

You've looked at the roots?

If they have normal, unimpeded radiating roots then why the stakes?

There's no good reason for 6' cypress trees to be unable to hold themselves up.

It looks great. I stake all taller trees the first year just to be sure they stay up during heavy winds or a surprise heavy snow load. Just make sure there is some play in the stakes to encourage the tree to learn to support its self.

Thanks madeyna. I am delighted about the quality of the leylands and I think with the warm weather and the moisture in the soil this autumn they should get a good start. I understand that if it snows this winter, I'll have to get out and brush them off. I'll check on the play in the stakes.