Cypresses are considered quite easy-care, robust conifers. However, they require sufficient care so that the trees really thrive. A cypress tree does not forgive care errors. What you need to consider if you want to properly care for your cypress.
How do you properly care for a cypress tree?
To properly care for a cypress, it should be watered regularly, fertilized adequately and trimmed when necessary. It should also be protected from diseases and pests and, if necessary, provided with frost protection in winter.
How to water the cypress?
Cypress trees can neither tolerate complete dryness nor waterlogging. Water the trees regularly as soon as the top of the planting substrate has dried.
Drainage has proven useful for cypress trees in the garden. If you care for the cypress in the pot, you should also add a drainage layer.
How often does it need to be fertilized?
Cypresses are very fast-growing and need a lot of nutrients. Lay a good foundation by amending the soil with compost, horn shavings, animal manure and Epsom s alt before planting.
Provide established plants with slow-release fertilizer in spring.
When caring for cypress trees in a pot or as a bonsai, add liquid fertilizer for conifers (€8.00 on Amazon) to the watering water every two to three weeks.
When and how are cypress trees pruned?
You don't have to cut individual trees. Hedges, on the other hand, are trimmed at least once a year. The best time for this is spring or from the end of August.
When cutting, remove as few fresh shoots as possible. Avoid cutting into old wood as the trees will become bare in these areas.
Hedges should initially be cut twice a year so that the trees become strong and branch well. Shorten the height of the hedge every year by around a third of the annual growth until the cypress hedge has reached the desired final height.
What diseases can occur?
- Gray horse
- Fungal diseases
- Root rot
If the cypress shows signs of illness, you must take immediate action. This is especially true for fungal diseases, which can become so severe that the tree dies.
Affected shoots are cut and disposed of immediately. The use of a fungicide is often essential to save the cypress.
What pests affect cypress trees?
- bark beetle
- Leaf miners
- mealybugs
You can recognize a pest infestation by dried tips and feeding passages. Cut off infected branches immediately.
Unfortunately, the only thing that helps with bark beetles is tearing out the tree.
Why do cypress trees turn yellow or brown?
If the cypress gets brown or yellow needles or the branches dry out, either diseases or pests are responsible. Keep a close eye on the cypress's he alth so that you can take immediate action if problems appear on the cypress.
How are cypress trees overwintered?
Cypresses are only partially hardy. In the garden they should be protected from frost with burlap or other materials.
It is important that the cypress also needs to be watered in winter.
Tip
The right location plays a big role when planting cypress trees. It should be as sunny as possible and somewhat sheltered from the wind. The soil must be permeable, nutritious and slightly acidic.
