When you’re getting ready to plant a cypress (or a whole row of them!), picking the perfect spot is about more than just finding good soil. You’ve also got to think about spacing—not just from other trees, but from buildings and property lines, too. It’s easy to forget that these little saplings won’t stay small for long; cypress trees are famous for their serious growth spurts!
Strong Roots and Serious Height
When you’re looking at a young sapling and trying to figure out where to dig your hole, try to imagine the tree at its full adult size. On average, cypress trees grow about 15 to 28 inches a year. If they’re really happy in their environment, they can even shoot up by 3 feet annually! Before you know it, that little tree has turned into a 30-foot-tall (or taller!) giant casting a massive shadow.
And remember, it’s not just what’s happening above ground. While the branches are reaching for the sky, a massive root system is developing out of sight. Cypress roots grow deep and spread out wide to support all that height.
Pro Tip:
Because those roots get so big and complex so fast, transplanting a cypress later on is a real challenge. It’s almost impossible to dig them up without damaging the root ball. If you absolutely have to move one, try to do it within the first four years. Otherwise, you might be better off just starting fresh with a new tree.
Spacing for Privacy Hedges
Because they grow so densely, cypresses are a go-to choice for privacy screens around patios or property lines. Even if you’re impatient for that “living wall” look, don’t plant them too close together. If they’re cramped, they’ll start competing for resources and crowding each other out within just a few years.
- Aim for about 20 to 40 inches (50–100 cm) between plants.
- The closer you plant them, the faster the hedge will fill in.
- You can go as close as 12 inches (30 cm) if you really need to, but that’s the absolute limit.
Pro Tip:
To get a really thick, lush hedge, prune your cypress twice a year in the beginning. This encourages the branches to fill out and get dense.
Distance from Buildings and Neighbors
If you’re planting a cypress as a “specimen tree” (a standalone focal point), give it plenty of room so it can really shine without being blocked by other trees. As a rule of thumb, keep them at least 5 feet away from any buildings. When it comes to your neighbor’s yard, the distance you need depends on how tall you’re planning to let the tree grow.
- Make sure there’s plenty of buffer between the tree and the property line.
- At a minimum, stay about 2 to 3 feet back.
It’s always a good idea to check your local city ordinances or HOA rules regarding “boundary plantings.” Also, keep practicalities in mind: if you’re planting a hedge along a fence, you’ll need enough space to get back there with your trimmers to keep it looking neat!
