Cypress trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape. While some gardeners tend to steer away from planting such species on their properties, proper cypress tree care and maintenance will guarantee a beautiful, healthy tree for many years to come.
While their native environment often requires a wet environment, which is why many believe cypress trees can only be grown in boggy soil, once the tree is established, they can successfully grow in drier climates. They can even endure the occasional drought from time to time.
Cypress trees are fast-growing, and two types are commonly found in the United States: the bald cypress and the pond cypress.
Their tapering base gives them a soaring prominence among other trees and they can grow 50-80 feet tall with a canopy spread of 20-30 feet. Often referred to as a deciduous conifer, they have short needles which appear to have a “feathery” look and feel. Depending on water and soil type, the needles turn a gorgeous yellow or gold color in the fall.
Proper cypress tree care and maintenance typically comes down to one critical factor – where it is planted.
Cypress trees require full sun or partial shade, acidic soil, and often grow best in zones 5 through 10, according to the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Another thing to consider for proper cypress tree care and maintenance is to ensure newly planted trees are given a good soaking of water with a hose for the first few months. Mulching around the base of the tree will help retain moisture but should not be mounded high up the trunk to reduce the likelihood of root suffocation.
Cypress trees need most of their water in the spring when they emerge and in the fall right before entering dormancy. During times of drought, hand watering with a hose once or twice a month is a good practice.
A critical factor of proper cypress tree care and maintenance is fertilization. If newly planted, do not fertilize the tree until it is a year old and thoroughly established. Typically, if grown in a regularly fertilized lawn area, not much more is needed. If grown elsewhere, fertilizing once a year will help provide the tree’s necessary nutrients.
While cypress trees are strong, they can suffer attacks by pests and diseases.
A fungal attack can cause needle blight, making the needles yellow before dropping off. This usually occurs in late fall and starts on the lower branches.
Cankers (or blisters) can also infect cypress trees and are caused by a fungus entering open or injured bark. The cankers will kill an entire branch, and eventually, the tree if not properly treated.
Regular tree pruning should also be done to eliminate dead or diseased branches while helping to maintain the structural integrity of the tree.
Bagworms, scale, and spider mites are also common pests plaguing cypress trees.
While all the issues above are treatable through SavATree, ensuring your tree is healthy and hydrated provides the best option for cypress tree care and maintenance.
For questions on caring for your cypress tree, contact SavATree today!
