How to Grow a Bald Cypress Tree

Best known for growing in the Florida Everglades, the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is adaptable to colder climates. Short, soft, light-green needle-like leaves appear in spring, turning darker in summer and a copper brown in fall before dropping. Living up to 1300 years and having no important pest problems, the bald cypress is a great home landscape choice. Read on to learn how to grow a bald cypress tree.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bald cypress tree
• Shovel
• Knife or garden shears
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Choose a planting location. Bald cypress is best planted in spring and in full sun. The tree is very tolerant of wind and makes a good street tree.

2. Prepare the tree for planting. Cut away any twine or wire used to secure the branches and burlap around the root ball. Remove at least half the burlap.

3. Dig the planting hole two to three times the width of the root ball and equally as deep.

4. Position the tree in the planting hole making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill planting hole with water and allow to be absorbed by the root ball and surrounding soil. Backfill remaining original soil and water again deeply.

5. Spread a layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches deep over the entire planting site.

Tips & Warnings

• Bald cypress is suitable for planting in zones four through nine. Check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to verify the suitability of the plant to your area.
• The bald cypress can grow to a height of 75 to 100 feet, at a rate of 12 to 18 inches per year when young, and a width to 25 feet. This is an excellent tree to plant where some quick shade is needed.
• The bald cypress is a low maintenance deciduous conifer that only requires pruning to remove any dead or damaged branches. Water weekly, particularly when young, and fertilize in early November.
• The bald cypress requires frequent deep watering when small. Avoid summer planting when there is a possibility of drought.