How To Plant, Prune, Fertilize, Water And Care For Cypress Trees & Shrubs

Cypresses adapt to a wide range of soils. Most prefer a moist but well-drained soil when young, however become exceptionally tolerant of dry soils when established. Most do not like a constantly soggy or wet soil which can be problematic. It's a good idea to know the soil preferences for the specific varieties of cypresses you intend to plant. On every plant page in this website you'll find soil moisture preferences.

For your reference, here's a couple quick links to Cypress category pages on this site...

In containers, Cypresses grow best in a very well-drained but damp to moist soil. They do not like a constantly soggy or wet soil. Therefore, I recommend using a premium potting mix or potting soil, or a 50/50 mix of the two, in a container that has a drainage hole(s). More on planting in containers below. 

How To Test Soil Drainage  

If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Cypress, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage in the planting area before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you might need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.

Different types of cypress have different soil pH preferences. It's a good idea to know the pH preferences for the specific varieties of cypresses you intend to plant. On every plant page in this website you'll find soil pH preferences. Follow the links provided above to find the variety of cypress you intend on planting. 

Most cypresses will take all the sun you can give them. That said, some varieties will tolerate some shade. It's a good idea to know the light preferences for the specific variety of cypress you intend to plant. On every plant page in this website you'll find light preferences. Follow the links provided above to find the variety of cypress you intend on planting. 

Backfill with your soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball.

Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. Add more soil mixture if settling occurs during watering.

Apply a 1/2" layer of wood chips or sphagnum moss to soil surface to help conserve moisture. Stone mulch can also be used.

Feed Cypresses in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins to emerge. Fast growing cypresses, such as the Leyland or Carolina or Arizona Cypress, can be fertilized again in late spring or early summer. 

Note:  To avoid damage to new growth stimulated by fertilizer, cease fertilization of Cypress two months prior to the average first-frost date in your area, 

In The Landscape:  Fertilize Cypress fast-growing cypress trees growing in the ground at rates recommended on the product label with a slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer that contains iron and/or sulfur for deep greening. Cut the rate in half for slower growing cypress varieties. Alternatively, you can feed plants with an organic plant food. 

Note:  If the foliage of your cypress trees or shrubs develop chlorosis (fading of foliage) this could be an indicator of a high soil pH (alkaline soil) or lack of iron in the soil. To acidify soil, and for deep greening, simply apply iron and/or soil sulfur at rates suggested on the product label.

Learn More: What is Soil pH and How To Adjust It? 

In Pots: Feed as directed on product label with a slow-release or water-soluble plant food listed for use in containers. Cut rate in half for slow growing cypress.

Shrubs and trees feed themselves from their root system. The feeder roots of established shrubs and trees are found at and beyond the outside perimeter of the branch system, what many professionals call the "drip line." Therefore, this is where most of the fertilizer should be spread. 

How far outside the drip line you spread fertilizer will depend on the age and size of the shrub or tree. As a general rule, spread the fertilizer under the plant and 3-4 inches beyond the drip line for each 12-inches of plant height. For example, if a plant is 5 feet tall spread the fertilizer about 15 to 20 inches beyond the drip line.

Immediately after planting deep soak the soil in the planting area to a depth equal to the height of the plants root ball. For an extra boost, to stimulate early root formation and stronger root development, you can also water you newly planted cypress with a solution of Root Stimulator, which reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants. When planted during the winter dormant season plants will require less water. So, be extra careful not to overwater during winter!

In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted cypress every day. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, water only as needed to keep the root ball and surrounding soil damp to moist. 

Note:  Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently, and allowing the soil to dry out somewhat before watering again, is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Cypress planted during the winter dormant season, when plants are not actively growing and evaporation is much slower, will require much less water. So, be extra careful not to overwater during winter!

Most cypress varieties are exceptionally drought tolerant when established. That said, during prolonged periods of drought they might appreciate some supplemental water. If during a drought you see leaves wilting or stem tips drooping this could be a sign your plants could use a good, deep soaking.