In order for the cypress to keep its beautiful shape, it must be pruned regularly. We explain here what to look out for when cutting cypress trees.
Cypress trees (Cupressus) are wonderful ornamental trees and bushes for the garden. Rapid growth is one of her specialties and her cut tolerance is also extremely good. Since they are also evergreen and extremely dense, they make a wonderful picture as a privacy screen and hedge. To prevent them from balding, however, they need to be pruned regularly. Once a year is the rule here, with Leyland cypress trees (Cupressocyparis leylandii) can also be cut twice a year.
The right time to cut cypress trees
Fortunately, because of their vigor, cypress trees are not so squeamish when it comes to pruning. Please note, however, that garden shrubs of any kind in the period from 1. March to 30th September may not be pruned large. Of course, this also applies to cypress trees. This rule is intended to prevent birds and other animals from being disturbed while they nest.
The weather on the day of the pruning is essential for the time of pruning. Interfaces are sensitive and direct sunlight can cause burns, when it rains fungi and infections penetrate and frost and cold also cause damage. A mild and overcast day in October is therefore ideal.
This is how you go about cutting cypress trees
Not all cypresses are created equal. At least 16 species - depending on how the individual species are classified - counts alone the genus of cypress (Cupressus). And then of course there are the related false cypresses (Chamaecyparis), which are often mentioned in the same breath. Although all of the associated species are quite insensitive to pruning and are fast-growing, you should adjust the pruning to the growth. This is how Mediterranean cypress trees grow (Cupressus sempervirens) fast at the beginning, but the bigger they get, the slower their growth will be.
With regard to the cutting technique, as with other trees, it is also important to create a sloping cutting edge. So no water stays on it and fungi and diseases have a harder time. Of course, you should always use sharp and clean loppers.
Before you start, however, you should be aware that removing the top of the plant has far-reaching consequences. If this is cut off radically, certain cells responsible for height growth are also removed with it. As a result, the cypresses can no longer grow in height, but can continue to grow in width. This leads to a permanently strong change in growth form. It is best to support the natural shape by cutting back. To do this, you should especially trim the sides. If you do not do this, the cypress may gradually bald from the inside out. When cutting, however, be careful not to get into the brown and dead branch areas, as these gaps may never close. Radical cutbacks should therefore be treated with caution and should be spread over several years.
If you would like to plant the cypress trees as a hedge, you can also support the natural growth habit. Especially with Mediterranean cypresses this leads to a wonderful picture. However, some species such as the Leyland cypress are also suitable for typical hedge cutting.
How to cut the cypress - the main points:
- Use clean and sharp tools
- Bevel the cutting edge
- Do not cut off the tip so as not to disturb the natural growth habit
- Trim the sides to prevent balding
- Remain in the green areas of the leaves, do not cut into the brown areas
- Leyland cypress also suitable for the hedge shape
Everything you need to know about the topic Cypress trees we have compiled for you here.