We usually focus on the beautiful evergreen needles of the cypress, but if you really want to understand this tree, you’ve got to look underground. While the canopy stays nice and slender, the root system is a totally different story—it loves to spread out wide. If you aren’t prepared for that, it can lead to some headaches down the road.
Cypress roots: Wide and shallow
The cypress is what we call a shallow-rooted tree. Instead of sending a deep taproot straight down into the earth, it develops a network of roots that stays pretty close to the surface. To make sure the tree gets enough water and nutrients, these roots branch out extensively, covering a surprisingly large area.
Give your trees some breathing room
You might have heard the old rule of thumb that a tree’s roots mirror the size of its crown. Well, throw that out the window for the cypress! Because these trees are so slim, their root systems actually have a much wider diameter than their branches. As a homeowner, you need to keep this in mind because those roots can get pretty powerful over time. Thick main roots can easily lift up patio pavers or crack retaining walls, while tiny feeder roots can find their way into small crevices and expand them. To stay safe, make sure you maintain a planting distance of at least five feet (1.5 meters) from:
- Paved walkways and driveways
- Walls (especially your home’s foundation)
- Property lines (check your local ordinances!)
- Underground utility lines
Growing cypress in containers
If you live in a region with harsh winters, keeping your cypress in a pot is often the way to go. Just keep in mind that no matter how big the container is, it will eventually limit the root growth. Because of this, a potted cypress won’t reach the same maximum height it would in the ground. To keep them happy, plan on repotting young trees into a larger container every two years to give those roots room to stretch.
Pro Tip:
Remember that cypress roots are more vulnerable to freezing when they’re in a pot. Since they don’t have the earth to insulate them, you’ll want to bring them indoors for the winter or use some heavy-duty frost protection.
The challenge of transplanting
Cypress roots don’t just grow wide; they grow fast. This means transplanting a cypress is really only doable during the first four years without causing serious damage to the root system. It’s super important to pick the perfect location right from the start. Make sure the spot has good drainage, too—cypress roots hate “wet feet,” which can quickly lead to root rot.
