Rejuvenating a cypress tree necessarily means trimming, but you have to be careful how you wield those clippers. Cutting back cypress trees too drastically results in dead wood and unattractive trees. Read on for more information on pruning cypress trees.
Can You Prune a Cypress?
Cypress trees are narrow-leaf evergreens. Like other narrow-leaf evergreens, cypress do not develop new buds on the older wood. That means that cutting new shoots back to the branch may result in bare spots on the tree.
On the other hand, cypress tree trimming is entirely feasible if you know what you are doing. Cypress are one of several species classified as “scale-leaf” needled evergreens. Unlike pine trees, with leaves that look like needles, cypress leaves appear more like scales.
Both cypress and false-cypress are included in this category. Rejuvenating a cypress tree that is overgrown or unshapely involves trimming. Although excess pruning is destructive to a cypress, cutting back cypress trees at the right time and in the right way creates a better, stronger tree.
Rejuvenating a Cypress Tree
If you are thinking of rejuvenating a cypress tree, it is important to prune at the correct time of the year. Dead, broken, and diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible after you notice the damage.
However, pruning to shape the tree or reduce its size must wait for the appropriate season. When you are rejuvenating a cypress tree that is overgrown, begin cypress tree trimming just before new growth begins in the springtime. You can pick up the pruners again in late spring or early summer if necessary to control growth or maintain an attractive tree shape.
Tips on Cutting Back Cypress Trees
The rule when pruning cypress trees is to work slowly and gently. Proceed branch by branch to determine what cuts are necessary. Cut back each overly-long branch to a branch fork with a green shoot growing from it.
This is the most important rule for cutting back cypress trees: never cut all green shoots from any branch since the branch will not be able to grow more. Proceed from the underside of the branches, slanting the cuts up.
When you are pruning cypress trees, aim for a natural look by pruning some branches deeper into the foliage than others. The tree should not look “pruned” when you are done.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Which 7 Types of Cypress Are Best to Grow?There are numerous types of cypress trees. From tall, majestic rows that grow throughout Italy to the bright bushy lemon varieties, there’s one that suits your region best.
-
What Is A Murray Cypress - How To Grow Murray Cypress Trees‘Murray’ cypress is an evergreen, fast growing shrub for large yards. Click here to learn more about this tree.
-
Lemon Cypress: Complete Plant Care And Growing GuideThe easy-growing Lemon Cypress tree offers a bright splash of color, a lovely fragrance and an interesting accent in any garden or yard.
-
Bald Cypress Growing – Planting A Bald Cypress TreeIt's hard to mistake the bald cypress for any other tree. These tall conifers with flared trunk bases are emblematic of the Florida everglades. If you are considering planting a bald cypress tree, you'll want to read up on bald cypress information. This article will help.
-
Lemon Cypress Care: How To Care For Lemon Cypress Outdoors And InsideYou can start growing lemon cypress trees indoors or outside. This article will help get you started in growing lemon cypress trees. Click here to learn more.
-
Types Of Cypress Trees: Tips For Growing Cypress TreesWhile their native environment is wet, once established, cypress trees grow well on dry land, even with occasional drought. Find growing tips here.
