How to Care for a Bald Cypress Tree

Bald cypress foliage turns coppery in the fall.

The bald cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) is a deciduous conifer that prefers slightly acidic soil and lots of sun. Known for its ability to grow in wet areas such as swamps and creek banks, the bald cypress tolerates a wide range of conditions. Though it tolerates flooding and some drought, it does best in moist, well-drained soil. The native habitat ranges from Maryland south and west to Texas, though it has been successfully grown throughout the United States up to about 1,750 feet elevation.

Instructions

1. Plant bald cypress in the spring in an area that receives plenty of sun.

2. Water bald cypress regularly during the growing season, especially younger trees. They can tolerate drought conditions but grow much better in moist, well-drained soil.

3. Prune dead branches and twigs to avoid infestation of twig blight fungus.

4. Fertilize bald cypress trees one to two times a year with tree fertilizer, such as Espoma Tree-Tone, in a circular area around the tree about twice the circumference of the canopy.

5. Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and keep weeds down. A layer of mulch about 3 or 4 inches deep in a ring 3 to 4 feet around the tree trunk is sufficient.

References

• University of Florida: US Forest Service--Taxodium Distichum, Baldcypress
• USDA Forest Service: Taxodium Distichum, Baldcypress
• Yardener: Caring for Bald Cypress
• Rockledge Gardens: Bald Cypress Info Sheet