Fast-growing cypresses really know how to hold their ground! Once those roots settle in, they aren’t exactly fans of moving day. If you’re planning on digging one up and plopping it somewhere else, don’t expect it to be a walk in the park. While moving a cypress successfully isn’t impossible, you’ll need the right conditions to make it stick.
When is moving a cypress actually worth it?
The longer a cypress stays in one spot, the deeper and more sprawling its root system becomes. Eventually, those roots get so massive that it’s nearly impossible to dig them up without causing serious damage. Your best bet for a successful transplant is if the tree has been in the ground for four years or less.
Technically, you *could* move a big, old tree, but the effort is massive—we’re talking heavy machinery territory. Before you go renting a crane or a flatbed truck, it’s usually much easier to just start fresh. You can even propagate a brand-new plant by taking a simple cutting from your old favorite!
How to transplant your cypress the right way
Timing is everything! Wait until fall when the soil is naturally moist. Start by digging a generous planting hole at the new site and adding a drainage layer at the bottom. Mix your excavated soil with some coarse sand to keep it loose, and toss in a bit of compost or horn meal for a nutrient boost. Here’s your game plan:
- If it makes digging easier, feel free to trim back the lowest branches.
- Carefully expose the root ball. Aim your spade at least 20 inches (50 cm) away from the trunk—even further if you’re dealing with a larger tree.
- Gently lift the cypress and move it to its new home, keeping as much original soil around the roots as possible.
- Give it a good “mudding in”—water the roots thoroughly as you set it.
- Fill the remaining gaps with soil and tamp it down firmly with your foot.
Pro Tip:
To make sure your cypress grows nice and straight, use a sturdy stake to support the trunk for the first season, especially for taller trees.
Post-move aftercare
It’s going to take a few months for your cypress to really feel at home again. During this “settling in” phase, it’ll need a little more TLC than usual:
- Water regularly.
- Check the soil often; if the top layer feels dry, it’s time for a drink.
- Make sure the water drains well—no one likes soggy feet!
- Skip the fertilizer for now; it doesn’t need the extra stress.
Don’t panic if you see a few needles turning brown right after the move. As long as the location is right and you keep up with the watering, your tree should bounce back and start showing off some fresh green growth soon.
