In contrast to false cypresses, real cypresses suffer more often from fungal attack. They are less resilient because they do not cope as well with the climatic conditions in Germany. When does fungal infestation occur and what can be done about it?
How do you recognize and treat fungal infestation on cypress trees?
Fungal infestation of cypress trees is manifested by discoloration of the needle tips and branches. To combat it, cut off affected parts of the plant generously and dispose of them in the trash can. If the infestation is large, a fungicide spray from a garden supply store can help. As a preventive measure, a sunny location, regular watering and drainage are recommended.
Causes of fungal attack on cypress trees
The most common cause of fungal infestation on cypress trees is too little or too high air humidity and soil moisture.
Cypresses can neither tolerate complete dryness nor too much moisture (waterlogging). Since it rains much more often in Germany than in the countries of origin, you should only plant real cypresses in drier regions.
If the soil is very heavy and clayey, waterlogging forms very quickly if there is no drainage in the soil and therefore the water cannot flow away. The waterlogging promotes a fungus that causes root rot.
Fighting fungal diseases
You can tell whether a cypress is suffering from fungal attack by the discoloration of the needle tips and later the entire branches. They turn brown, yellow or have a gray, dusty coating.
If you cut off an affected branch and discover feeding passages there, it is not a fungal disease, but rather an infestation of leaf miners. These must be combated differently.
Cut off affected parts of the plant generously. But remember that the cypress cannot regenerate in these areas, especially if you cut directly into the old wood. Dispose of the plant residues in the garbage can and not on the compost.
Sprays as a last resort
If the entire cypress hedge is infected with fungi, cutting it off is no longer enough. To prevent the trees from dying, the only option left is to use a fungicide spray. You can obtain sprays from specialist garden shops. Get advice about the application.
Prevention of fungal infestation
- Sunny to partially shaded location
- water regularly
- Create drainage
- Spread mulch cover
Ensure that the cypress has a sunny location in the garden. Water the trees on frost-free days even in winter. Prevent waterlogging.
Lay down a layer of mulch. It prevents the soil from drying out too much. At the same time, the mulch layer serves as winter protection.
Tip
Always use clean tools when caring for cypress trees. Unclean scissors transmit fungal spores to other trees.
