Cypress Tree Types: How to Care for Cypress Trees

Cypress trees are a large classification of conifers, encompassing the trees and shrubs from the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and many others with the word “cypress” in their common name. Many cypress trees have needle-like, evergreen foliage and acorn-like seed cones.

Cypress trees generally prefer temperate climates, and several species grow in moderate to warm climates in the western United States. The bald cypress is an example of a conifer that is not evergreen, as it sheds its foliage in the winter. Leyland cypress cultivars are especially rapid growers commonly used for privacy screens.

While certain cypress tree species have particular needs, they are generally low-maintenance plants. Here are the most common care requirements for the majority of cypresses:

• Grow in full sun. Nearly all cypress trees and shrubs require full sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight per day—to thrive. Plant your cypress away from other shade trees or buildings that may give them partial shade during the day.
• Only water mature trees during dry spells. While you’ll need to water young cypress trees regularly to help them establish their root systems, most mature cypress trees are drought-tolerant and can survive off of residual soil moisture, groundwater, and rain runoff. Only water mature trees during prolonged dry spells or warm summers because an abundance of water on a cypress’s root ball can lead to root rot and eventual die-off. Learn how to treat and prevent root rot.
• Prune the trees occasionally. Cypress trees don’t require intense pruning since they generally grow at a moderate pace and naturally maintain their shape. Most landscapers only need to prune their cypress trees occasionally. Use sharp shears to remove dead branches, keep the tree at a certain height, or trim the occasional new growth that isn’t in the proper shape. Learn how to prune your tree.
• Monitor for pests. Cypress trees aren’t primary targets for pests, but keep an eye out for aphids and scale. Shoot pests off with a sharp jet of water or remove them by hand. Alternatively, treat the tree with a natural pesticide like neem oil.

Modern landscape design incorporates many different cypress varieties. Here are some of the most common:

1. 1. Arborvitae (genus Thuja): The Thuja genus contains several true cypress trees collectively called “arborvitae”—they are distinctive in their natural cone shape and popular as windbreaks and privacy fences. Check out tips for planting arborvitae.
2. 2. Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica): The Arizona cypress tree from the genus Cupressus grows blue-green scale-like foliage in a natural cone shape, making it a popular Christmas tree.
3. 3. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum): Originating in the swampy regions of Florida, the bald cypress tree is a unique deciduous cypress that can grow in waterlogged soil. It’s not a popular landscaping tree because it grows cumbersome roots (called “knees”) around the tree's base.
4. 4. Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii): The Leyland cypress tree is a fast-growing evergreen tree with dense, dark-green foliage. With its fast growth rate, the Leyland is popular as a privacy tree or as a windbreak.
5. 5. Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa): Originating in California, the Monterey cypress tree has bright green foliage and a distinctive “flat top” growth pattern.
6. 6. Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa): A false cypress, the Hinoki cypress is a slow-growing cultivar available in many dwarf varieties as a small, ornamental tree.
7. 7. Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): The Italian cypress tree (sometimes called Mediterranean cypress) is an iconic columnar tree that naturally grows tall and skinny in a cone-like shape. The tree can add height to landscaping or serve as a privacy screen.
8. 8. Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis): Also called the Alaska cedar, nootka cypress trees are one of the tallest varieties of cypress, growing over one hundred feet tall at maturity. They have a distinctive droopy look, with the tips of their branches weeping similar to willow trees.
9. 9. Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens): The pond cypress tree is a variety from Florida that thrives in wet soil and bodies of water, though it can also tolerate drier periods. The pond cypress is more popular as a landscaping tree than the bald cypress since the former doesn’t grow exposed roots around its base.

Cypress trees are a large classification of conifers, encompassing the trees and shrubs from the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and many others with the word “cypress” in their common name. Many cypress trees have needle-like, evergreen foliage and acorn-like seed cones.

Cypress trees generally prefer temperate climates, and several species grow in moderate to warm climates in the western United States. The bald cypress is an example of a conifer that is not evergreen, as it sheds its foliage in the winter. Leyland cypress cultivars are especially rapid growers commonly used for privacy screens.

While certain cypress tree species have particular needs, they are generally low-maintenance plants. Here are the most common care requirements for the majority of cypresses:

• Grow in full sun. Nearly all cypress trees and shrubs require full sun—at least six hours of direct sunlight per day—to thrive. Plant your cypress away from other shade trees or buildings that may give them partial shade during the day.
• Only water mature trees during dry spells. While you’ll need to water young cypress trees regularly to help them establish their root systems, most mature cypress trees are drought-tolerant and can survive off of residual soil moisture, groundwater, and rain runoff. Only water mature trees during prolonged dry spells or warm summers because an abundance of water on a cypress’s root ball can lead to root rot and eventual die-off. Learn how to treat and prevent root rot.
• Prune the trees occasionally. Cypress trees don’t require intense pruning since they generally grow at a moderate pace and naturally maintain their shape. Most landscapers only need to prune their cypress trees occasionally. Use sharp shears to remove dead branches, keep the tree at a certain height, or trim the occasional new growth that isn’t in the proper shape. Learn how to prune your tree.
• Monitor for pests. Cypress trees aren’t primary targets for pests, but keep an eye out for aphids and scale. Shoot pests off with a sharp jet of water or remove them by hand. Alternatively, treat the tree with a natural pesticide like neem oil.

Modern landscape design incorporates many different cypress varieties. Here are some of the most common:

1. 1. Arborvitae (genus Thuja): The Thuja genus contains several true cypress trees collectively called “arborvitae”—they are distinctive in their natural cone shape and popular as windbreaks and privacy fences. Check out tips for planting arborvitae.
2. 2. Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica): The Arizona cypress tree from the genus Cupressus grows blue-green scale-like foliage in a natural cone shape, making it a popular Christmas tree.
3. 3. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum): Originating in the swampy regions of Florida, the bald cypress tree is a unique deciduous cypress that can grow in waterlogged soil. It’s not a popular landscaping tree because it grows cumbersome roots (called “knees”) around the tree's base.
4. 4. Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii): The Leyland cypress tree is a fast-growing evergreen tree with dense, dark-green foliage. With its fast growth rate, the Leyland is popular as a privacy tree or as a windbreak.
5. 5. Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa): Originating in California, the Monterey cypress tree has bright green foliage and a distinctive “flat top” growth pattern.
6. 6. Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa): A false cypress, the Hinoki cypress is a slow-growing cultivar available in many dwarf varieties as a small, ornamental tree.
7. 7. Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): The Italian cypress tree (sometimes called Mediterranean cypress) is an iconic columnar tree that naturally grows tall and skinny in a cone-like shape. The tree can add height to landscaping or serve as a privacy screen.
8. 8. Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis): Also called the Alaska cedar, nootka cypress trees are one of the tallest varieties of cypress, growing over one hundred feet tall at maturity. They have a distinctive droopy look, with the tips of their branches weeping similar to willow trees.
9. 9. Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens): The pond cypress tree is a variety from Florida that thrives in wet soil and bodies of water, though it can also tolerate drier periods. The pond cypress is more popular as a landscaping tree than the bald cypress since the former doesn’t grow exposed roots around its base.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.