The cypress usually retains its original growth habit. The trees usually grow in a columnar shape and taper to a point at the top. However, cypress trees can be shaped into almost any shape you want by cutting them. Cypresses with a ball or cloud as a treetop are particularly popular.
How do you cut cypress trees into specific shapes?
To prune cypress trees into shape, you should do the main pruning in spring and a second shape cut in August. Patience is required as it may take several years to achieve the desired shape.
Cut cypress trees into specific shapes
If you want to cut a cypress tree that is already growing in the garden into shape, you need to be patient. It takes at least two years for a round ball to form. Things go a little faster with the cloud shape. With particularly complex shapes, you must expect that it will take many years until the cypress has achieved the desired shape.
Of course you can also choose other shapes. Simply make a template to cut along. For round shapes, wire mesh (€7.00 on Amazon), which you attach over the treetop, is a good way to shape the cypress into the desired shape.
How often do you need to do a topiary?
Older cypress trees should be carefully cut back. The topiary should be done in several stages so that you don't have to remove too much at once.
The main pruning is carried out in the spring before the cypress sprouts. A second topiary is carried out after the end of the growth phase in August.
You may remove any protruding branches as you go. Be careful not to injure the scrap wood when cutting.
Cutting cypress as a bonsai
Cypresses can also be cut very well as bonsai. The times for topiary cutting are also in spring and from August.
To give a cypress tree the desired bonsai shape, you can also wire it. The wires must not be wrapped too tightly but also not too loosely. They must be removed by April at the latest so that they do not cut into the branches.
To keep the tree small, you will also need to trim the roots at regular intervals, whenever you transplant the cypress.
Tip
You can buy cypresses in specific shapes such as balls, squares or clouds ready-made from garden shops. You then just have to trim these trees regularly to ensure that the shape is maintained.
