| Annual Tasks |
|---|
| Spring |
| A 2 to 3 inch layer of some attractive organic material spread on the soil over the roots of cypresses helps protect them. It retains soil moisture, discourages weeds and protects the plants from injury by mechanical yard care equipment. Use wood chips, chopped leaves (not whole), shredded bark or pine needles. For more info on using mulch click here. |
Summer |
| While Japanese False Cypresses do not require as much atmospheric moisture as their Native American cousins, they do appreciate moist soil. Water generously when they are first planted and just before the ground freezes in the fall. Supplemental watering is not necessary for well-established trees unless there is prolonged drought. For more info on watering trees click here. |
Fall |
| False Cypresses need feeding only once a year in the first 3 or 4 years in your yard. In the fall sprinkle a granular general purpose fertilizer for acid-loving plants on the soil under each cypress out to 1 1/2 feet beyond the ends of the branches (the drip line). Use about one pound of fertilizer for each inch of diameter the trunk measures at its base. While a single yearly feeding is more than adequate, some serious gardeners spray cypress foliage with a dilute liquid fertilizer, seaweed extract or fish emulsion two or three times over the growing season to boost shrub vigor. This is beneficial, but not essential. For more info on fertilizing trees click here. |
Winter |
| Winter Protection - Water False Cypress foliage thoroughly before the ground freezes to help it store moisture for the winter season. Spraying the foliage with an anti-desiccant will help prevent their evergreen foliage from drying out in harsh winter sun and wind. If shrubs are located in sites exposed to wind, a burlap wind barrier will protect them somewhat. Do not inhibit air circulation around the shrubs by wrapping them in burlap or plastic. For more info on winter protection click here. |
Pruning/Grooming - Dwarf and medium type False Cypresses do not require regular pruning. Prune only to remove damaged or diseased branches, or to lightly shape them. However, tree types must be pruned more thoroughly over the years if they are to be restrained. Otherwise they will inexorably grow into large trees. When pruning clip branches individually, rather than shearing the shrub uniformly, to maintain a pleasing natural look. For more info on pruning click here. |
