Recognize fungal infestation and treat it correctly

Causes of fungal attack on cypress trees

The most common cause of a fungal attack on cypress trees is too little or too much humidity and soil moisture.

Cypresses do not tolerate complete dryness or too much moisture (waterlogging). Since it rains much more frequently in Germany than in the countries of origin, you should only plant real cypress trees in drier regions.

If the soil is very heavy and loamy, waterlogging develops very quickly if there is no drainage in the soil and the water therefore cannot run off. The waterlogging favors a fungus that causes root rot.

Fight against fungal diseases

You can tell whether a cypress is suffering from fungal infestation by the discoloration of the needle tips and, later, of the entire branches. you will be Brown, yellow or have a gray, dusty coating.

If you cut off an affected branch and discover feeding tunnels there, it is not a fungal disease, but an infestation of Leaf miners. These have to be fought differently.

Cut off affected parts of the plant generously. But remember that the cypress cannot regenerate itself in these areas, especially if you cut directly into the old wood. Dispose of the plant remains in the garbage can and not on the compost.

Injections as a last resort

Is the whole Cypress hedge Infested by fungi, cutting off is no longer sufficient. So that the trees don't enter, all that remains is the use of a spray against fungicides. Spray agents are available from specialist gardeners. Let us advise you on the application.

Prevention of fungal attack

• Sunny to partially shaded location
• water regularly
• Apply drainage
• Spread out the mulch cover

Make sure that the cypress has a sunny spot in the garden. Water the trees on frost-free days even in winter. Prevent waterlogging.

Lay out a mulch blanket. It prevents the soil from drying out too much. At the same time, the mulch cover serves as winter protection.