Native to North America, cypress trees are fast-growing and deserving of prominence in the landscape. Cypress is often overlooked as a planting option because of the misconception that it can only thrive in soggy conditions. Even though their natural habitat is constantly wet, cypress trees can thrive on dry land and even withstand occasional droughts once established. The bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and the pond cypress are the only two species of cypress trees native to the United States (T. ascendens).
Cypress Tree Facts
Its soaring appearance is due to its straight trunk, which tapers at the base. With a spread of 20 to 30 feet, they can reach heights of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) in cultivated areas (6-9 m.). The needles of these deciduous conifers have a feathery appearance and are short. A few cultivars, however, have beautiful fall colors, with their needles turning a lovely yellow or gold.
One of the oddities of the Bald Cypress is that it has the tendency to form “knees,” which are roots that rise out of the ground in strange shapes. Trees grown in water are more likely to have knees, and as the water depth increases, so do the knees. Knees as high as six feet tall have been observed in some individuals (2 m.). Although the function of the knees is unknown, it is possible that they assist the tree in obtaining oxygen when submerged. Because mowing can be difficult and pedestrians can be tripped by these projections, they are not always welcome in the home landscape.
What Areas Have the Most Cypress Trees?
The two main types of cypress trees thrive in moist environments. Near springs, lakes, swamps, and other slow to moderately flowing bodies of water, you’ll often find bald cypress. It’s possible to grow them in almost any soil in cultivated landscapes.
Unlike many other trees, the Pond Cypress does not do well when left to its own devices. To grow this variety in a home garden, you’ll need to have nutrient- and oxygen-poor soil. The Everglades, as well as other wetlands in the southeast, are ideal habitats for this plant.
Propagation of Cypress
The seeds of cypress trees can be germinated and grown into mature trees. Germination can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. In a large container, germinate seeds. The best place to grow them is in a greenhouse. After germination, the seed should be grown for 6-12 months indoors in direct sunlight. Then, in the spring, transplant the young sapling tree outside.
Seeds can be harvested in the fall by collecting pine cones from mature trees and removing the seeds. Make sure the seeds are completely dry before storing them. Seeds germinate better when stored in the refrigerator for a few months.
Cuttings of cypress trees can also be grown.
Small trees and shrubs are commonly purchased at a local garden center by homeowners. Decide if you want an evergreen or a deciduous tree as your first priority. Before making a purchase, check to see if the variety you’re considering has the width and height required to meet your landscaping goals.
Cypress Tree Care and Maintenance
Like a tree, Juniper is a hardy one that requires little attention. Full sun to partial shade is ideal for its growth. A variety’s soil needs are different than another’s. A few cultivars do best in moist soil, whereas others thrive in dry, rocky environments.
Dig a hole twice as large as the root ball of your cypress tree before planting it. Add some compost to the mix. It’s time to get rid of that rooted mess! It should be placed in the hole, and the outer roots should be gently loosened and spread. Finally, tamp down the soil in the hole by gently raking it in. For a few weeks, thoroughly saturate your body in water.
To keep weeds at bay and maintain a neat appearance, mulch the area around your plants.
Unless the soil is extremely deficient, no additional fertilizer is required.
It’s time to prune your cypress.
The type of Cypress tree you have and your landscaping preferences will influence whether or not you should prune it. Trimming will keep a privacy fence looking neat and orderly as it grows.
Cypress Trees: What You Need to Know
Planting cypress trees in the right place is critical to their success. Pick an area with acidic, rich soil that receives full or partial sun. A cypress tree can be grown anywhere in the USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
After planting, saturate the soil around the tree with water and cover the root zone with an organic mulch of 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm). For the first few months, make sure to soak the tree thoroughly. Watering cypress trees during their growth spurts in the spring and just before they go into dormancy is the most critical. Once established, they can withstand short periods of drought, but if it has been more than a month since heavy rain, it’s best to water them.
Before fertilizing a cypress tree for the first time, wait a year after planting. When cypress trees are established in a fertilized lawn, they don’t typically require additional fertilization. Otherwise, apply a thin layer of compost or a balanced fertilizer in the fall and fertilize the tree every year or two. For each inch (2.5 cm) of trunk diameter, apply a pound of balanced fertilizer over an area roughly equal to the canopy spread.
Keeping Deer away from Cypress:
Deer may eat the foliage from the end of the fall until the beginning of the spring when food is scarce. Deer will eat almost anything green when they’re hungry or starving, even if Cypress isn’t their favorite food.
Planting fall bulbs is a popular outdoor activity during the autumn months of the year. The first spring blooms that emerge from these bulbs brighten and chase away the drab and grey winter landscape.
