Cypress Trees
The A to Z of Cypress Trees
Cypress trees are found naturally in various parts of the United States. These evergreens have several sub-species such as the Macnab, the Monterey and the Gowen cypress. Botanists sometimes call this tree a shrub because some varieties of this tree do not grow very tall. The tree known as the Bald Cypress is actually not a cypress tree but it belongs to the family of Giant Sequoia.
There are varieties of the cypress that are a good addition to many a garden. They serve well as wind-breakers and their soft and delicate foliage makes them a great ornamental addition. The scale and elegance of this tree combined with its relative ease of maintenance make the cypress a gardener’s dream. One of the most popular varieties of the cypress used for landscaping is the Leyland cypress. It is also an interesting detail that the Cypress is a symbol of spiritual immortality.
Optimal conditions for the cypress tree
The cypress is an adaptable tree when it comes to types of soil although it does have a strong preference for acidic soil and full sun exposure. The location for the cypress tree should also be determined by what lies around the tree and keeping in mind that this is a long-lasting tree that can grow to be quite tall and wide.
Ideally, a cypress should be planted in fall. A hole should be dug big enough to complete bury the root ball. In the early days the tree needs plenty of water to establish itself and it is considered advisable to water the tree for a 10 minute stretch two or three times a week. After the tree has got a good root system the frequency can be reduced although it is still a good idea to have a prolonged watering session. Adequate water is important for the health of the cypress. The tree tends to be able to withstand pests and diseases as long as the tree has intact bark and is not craving water. A good covering of mulch around the base of the cypress can help in retaining moisture near the roots.
Cypresses need fertilizers for continued strong growth and it is a good idea to choose an acidic fertilizer. These trees do need pruning. They are tall trees which can come to dominate a landscape and crowd out other trees, if they are not kept in check. The best time to prune is either spring or fall. In one case, the tree will adjust to having to produce branches and in the other case, there will be a good resting period before the next branching and growing stage. The conical shape is chosen popularly for cypress trees in landscaped gardens although there are many gardeners who do go with the natural look also.
Problems of the cypress tree
Cypress trees are generally disease resistant but a weakened tree is susceptible to canker. Canker causes the leaves to turn brown and this is also a problem that can spread to neighboring trees quickly. So, it is important to prune affected branches promptly to limit the damage.
Size and scale can become a problem with a cypress if the gardener has picked a crowded spot in the landscape. Creative pruning can help keep the scale of the cypress although if it is impacting other trees and plants, it may be necessary to relocate the tree.
It is said of the cypress tree that it is a tree for the ages and it is important to keep this in mind when introducing this gorgeous tree into your garden.