The Best Cypress Tree for South Carolina

Local Conditions Matter

• South Carolina contains two major topographical areas and three U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones. A fall line running through the center of the state divides the northern upcountry from the more coastal low country. In the northwest the Blue Ridge Mountains cover about 500 square miles, rising to 3,560 feet above sea level. Higher elevations have drier soil and colder winters. The state contains USDA hardiness zones 9a near the coast, zone 8 for the central portion and zone 7a in the northwest. Many rivers, streams and artificial lakes occur.

Low and Wet

• For areas of moist, well-draining soil or standing water, the baldcypress, native to South Carolina, is the best choice. This conifer loses its pale-green, needlelike leaves, which turn coppery red and fall to reveal reddish-gray, peeling bark and thickened trunks that form even on younger trees. Baldcypress grows in USDA zones 5 through 10, reaching 40 or 50 feet tall in about 15 to 25 years. The trees form knees only near water. If you live in drier areas, baldcypress might be your best choice for a deciduous shade tree because the tree tolerates drier soil as well as urban conditions.

Higher and Drier

• For an evergreen, low-maintenance, disease-resistant cypress that grows in drier, hotter areas, Arizona cypress is the best choice. It needs full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 7a through 9b. For growing throughout South Carolina, Clemson University Cooperative Extension recommends "Carolina Sapphire" cypress (Cupressus arizonicus "Carolina Sapphire"). Trees grow rapidly while young, eventually reaching 20 to 50 feet tall and 8 to 20 feet wide. The scalelike, blue-green foliage is dense and finely textured. "Clemson Greenspire" cypress (Cupressus arizonicus "Clemson Greenspire") has grass-green foliage. All cultivars of Arizona cypress need well-draining soil. The University of Florida Extension Service recommends growing Arizona cypress in less-humid, non-irrigated locations because of susceptibility to juniper blight.

Quick Coverage

• In South Carolina, Leyland cypress has been the long-standing choice for the fastest-growing cypress for screening. This hybrid cypress grows quickly, 3 to 4 feet a year, to 60 or 70 feet tall and 12 to 20 feet wide, often reaching 70 to 100 feet. Dark-green to blue-green, feathery foliage graces pendulous branches. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Because of its widespread planting in recent years, often in suboptimal areas for its growth, it is more affected by injurious diseases and pests. If quick growth and screening are your priority, consider Leyland cypress. However, site it properly in well-draining soil and full sun and don't overcrowd the trees. Be prepared to deal with infestations of spider mites and bagworms, which are problematic on very tall trees.