Will Bald Cypress Grow Into A Giant Bush If Left Alone And Should Sprouts On Lower Trunk Be Removed

Question From: W. Smith - Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Q: Hi Nancy, Last year I purchased two Bald Cypress trees at Lowes, they are growing well and so far seem to be thriving. The limbs start about four feet up the trunk....but I noticed sprouts popping out on this four foot section of the lower trunk....last year I pinched these sprouts off in order to have a bare trunk. My question: Will this type of tree grow like a giant bush if left alone? (Not removing sprouts?) Thanks very much for any info you can offer! Walt Smith

A: I have no first hand experience growing these trees but all descriptions describe the specie as pyramidal in shape and photos of trees in the wild confirm that. Shape does vary with cultivated variety. I would continue to remove the sprouts. My concern is the species are very large trees - 60 feet in height and 30 feet in diameter. Are you sure you have room? Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy