Leyland cypress flowers

We have some of what I think are Leyland cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii) in our garden which hubby trims regularly, but which produce these pretty male flowers every spring. The trees have both bright yellow and green foliage on them and they also produce small spherical female cones.

When we moved here, there were some Leyland cypress which were approximately 40 foot tall. When we had them removed (the neighbours hated them) we discovered that there were in fact about 8 of them which had been planted originally as a hedge but which previous occupiers had let run riot. They didn't appear to produce any of these pretty flowers. Once they were removed we discovered space for more lawn although the soil was very poor and dry.

I am a bit behind on commenting again, for which I apologise, but will catch up over the next couple of days.