Getting your cypress tree off to a great start begins with the very first step: planting. This is where you set the stage for a long, healthy life. But before you grab your shovel and start digging, you’ll want to make sure you’ve picked the perfect spot and the right time of year.
Choosing the Right Spot
Cypress trees originally hail from the warm, sunny Mediterranean. Since our weather can be a bit more unpredictable, finding the right location is key. These trees are long-lived, but they aren’t always fully winter-hardy depending on your zone.
- Pick a location that gets full sun to partial shade.
- Make sure it’s protected from harsh winds.
- The soil needs to be loose and well-draining—cypresses hate “wet feet” (standing water).
- Aim for nutrient-rich soil with a pH level between 5 and 6.
Pro Tip:
If you live in a region with particularly harsh winters, consider planting your cypress in a container. That way, it can soak up the sun outside all summer and move into a cozy, sheltered spot once the frost hits.
A Note on Propagation and Transplanting
So, how do you get your hands on one? You can find Mediterranean cypresses at most nurseries, but they can be a bit pricey. If you’re planning a long privacy hedge and need a lot of trees, you might want to try growing your own cypresses. You can do this from cuttings or seeds, though it definitely requires some patience!
One thing to keep in mind: if a tree isn’t doing well, you might be tempted to move it. However, cypress roots branch out and spread very quickly. After about four years in the ground, it’s nearly impossible to dig one up without damaging the root system. It’s much better to get the location right the first time!
The Best Time to Plant
Technically, you can plant any day the ground isn’t frozen. However, for the best results, aim for spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Give the root ball a good soak in a bucket of water overnight before planting.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball.
- Create a drainage layer at the bottom of the hole using about 4 inches of coarse material. If you’re planting in a pot, a 2-inch layer of gravel, pottery shards, or perlite works great.
- Mix the soil you dug out with some well-aged compost, manure, or horn meal to give it a nutrient boost.
- Place the tree in the hole, making sure not to plant it too deep.
- Hold the tree straight and fill the hole back in with your soil mix, tamping it down lightly with your feet to remove air pockets.
- Give it a thorough watering and keep the soil consistently moist for the next few weeks.
- Protect your young tree during its first winter by spreading a thick layer of mulch over the roots and wrapping the crown in burlap.
Pro Tip: Since cypresses are shallow-rooted and spread wide, make sure to leave enough spacing between the tree and any buildings or paved walkways. If you’re planting along a property line, it’s always a good idea to check your local zoning laws or HOA guidelines first!
