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Step 1
Choose the best planting site. For planting bald cypress, pick a site that will not impede the tree's growth like under a telephone wire and be sure that the soil is not to dry or too wet. Avoid planting a pond cypress in a site that gets month-long flooding because the seedling will not be able to take that much water.
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Step 2
Check your soil. Bald cypress can grow on a variety of soils yet do the best on moist sandy loam soil that is moderately drained. Pond cypress thrive on acidic, organic soils. You may grow cypress trees on limerock or hardpan but expect a slow growing time.
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Step 3
Purchase a seedling at your local nursery. Be sure that the seedling was grown from a local cypress seed. You could try planting cypress seeds, but they must have moist soil that gets neither too wet or dry. Because it is difficult to ensure the seeds will have this type of soil conditions, it is better to buy a seedling for a better success rate. Make sure your seedling is at least 12 inches tall and has a 1/4-inch root collar (the section of the root that is below the ground).
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Step 4
Create a hole where you are planting your cypress tree. Place the cypress in the hole with the root collar just below the ground. Make sure that there is nothing to impede the roots from growing like an underground irrigation system or another tree. Pack the hole tightly with soil around the seedling.
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Step 5
Water your new seedling twice a week until it establishes its roots. Fertilize your seedling once every spring with acidic fertilizer. Be sure to water the seedling after you fertilize so that the nutrients sink to the root system. Closely monitor your cypress trees for two years to ensure they are getting enough water and nutrients.
