Raising Italian Cypress

Grow Italian cypress in well-draining soil with full sunlight exposure. The tree tolerates a variety of soils, including sand, clay and loam. Avoid planting it in poorly draining soils or areas with full shade, as these increase chances of twig and branch cankers.

Spread a thin layer of mulch around the Italian cypress tree to retain soil moisture and keep its roots cool. However, do not place mulch next to the trunk or over the area where the roots join the trunk to reduce chances of rot. Remove the old mulch and spread a fresh layer in early spring.

Irrigate the Italian cypress regularly after planting, preferably once every seven to 10 days, to promote the growth of healthy roots. However, because this is a drought-tolerant tree that grows well in dry areas, you can reduce the frequency of irrigation to once or twice every month when it becomes established. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to provide deep irrigation that reaches the roots. Avoid overwatering, as that increases the chances of root rot.

Remove dead, damaged, rubbing or low-lying branches from the Italian cypress to maintain its appearance. The low-maintenance tree needs only light, basic pruning.

Keep the ground around the tree’s canopy free from weeds, stones and plant debris. Hand-pull weeds or use a hoe to pull the undesirable plants out of the soil, along with their roots. Inspect the soil frequently and prevent competing weeds that pop out.

Inspect the tree regularly for symptoms of pests such as bagworms, spider mites and scale insects. To reduce severe damage to the tree, treat the pests immediately when their presence is confirmed. Follow label directions for applying a registered insecticide.