How to Water Italian Cypress Trees
The Italian cypress, the proud, plume-like evergreens that are popular landscaping trees, are relatively easy to care for. They are generally drought tolerant, but regular watering is crucial to the tree's long-term health, particularly during the first two years of its life.
Turn the hose on and water thoroughly around the tree, using a circular motion. If you recently planted the tree, the roots are still congregated around the root ball, so water close to the trunk. For established trees, water under the tree canopy and stay at least a foot away from the trunk to minimize the risk of root rot.
After watering, let the water soak into the ground. With your finger, check the soil. The soil should be moist to a depth of 1 inch. Surface watering is good for a tree because most of a tree's absorbing roots are in the top foot of soil.
- The Italian cypress, the proud, plume-like evergreens that are popular landscaping trees, are relatively easy to care for.
- For established trees, water under the tree canopy and stay at least a foot away from the trunk to minimize the risk of root rot.
Water thoroughly two or three times a week, depending on weather conditions. If you're in a dry spell, water more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to perform the "finger check," outlined in Step 2, each day to make sure there's enough moisture in the ground.
Care For Italian Cypress Trees
Pick a location for your Italian cypress. The tree requires a bright, sunny location in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 10. Use your shovel to dig a hole for your Italian cypress. Mix organic materials into the planting hole. Organic materials help increase drainage in the soil, making it more hospitable for the roots. Press and firm soil down around the base of the trunk. Water regularly for the first growing season, then reduce waterings to once or twice a month.
- Pick a location for your Italian cypress.
- Use your shovel to dig a hole for your Italian cypress.
Care For Italian Cypress Trees
Pick a location for your Italian cypress. The tree requires a bright, sunny location in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 10. Use your shovel to dig a hole for your Italian cypress. Mix organic materials into the planting hole. Organic materials help increase drainage in the soil, making it more hospitable for the roots. Press and firm soil down around the base of the trunk. Water regularly for the first growing season, then reduce waterings to once or twice a month.
- Pick a location for your Italian cypress.
- Use your shovel to dig a hole for your Italian cypress.
Tip
Italian cypress trees prefer well-drained soil, so before you plant, make sure you mix sand in with the existing top soil.
Warning
Italian cypress trees can be susceptible to root rot. Avoid watering directly next to the trunk, except for newly plant trees, and never overwater to the point where there is standing water around the tree.
Related Articles
References
- Fast-Growing Trees: Italian Cypress
- Backyard Gardener: Italian Cypress
- Floridata: Cupressus Sempervirens
- University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension: Cupressus Sempervirens
- Washington State University: Cupressus Sempervirens
- Floridata: Cupressus Sempervirens
- University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension: Cupressus Sempervirens
- Washington State University: Cupressus Sempervirens
Tips
- Italian cypress trees prefer well-drained soil, so before you plant, make sure you mix sand in with the existing top soil.
Warnings
- Italian cypress trees can be susceptible to root rot. Avoid watering directly next to the trunk, except for newly plant trees, and never overwater to the point where there is standing water around the tree.
Writer Bio
Thomas K. Arnold is publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular contributor to "Variety." He is a former editorial writer for U-T San Diego. He also has written for "San Diego Magazine," "USA Today" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.
