In order for the cypress to keep its beautiful shape, it must be pruned regularly. Here we explain what to look out for when pruning cypresses.
Cypress trees (Cupressus) make wonderful ornamental trees and shrubs for the garden. Rapid growth is one of their speci alties and their tolerance to pruning is also extremely good. Since they are also evergreen and extremely dense, they make a wonderful picture as a privacy screen and hedge. However, to prevent them from becoming bald, they need regular pruning. Once a year is the rule here, although Leyland cypresses (Cupressocyparis leylandii) can also be pruned twice a year.
The right time to cut cypress trees
Fortunately, cypresses are not so squeamish about when to cut back due to their growth rate. Please note, however, that garden shrubs of any kind may not be pruned extensively between March 1st and September 30th. Of course, this also applies to cypresses. This rule is designed to prevent birds and other animals from being disturbed while they are nesting.
The weather on the day of the pruning is particularly important for the pruning time. Interfaces are delicate and direct sun can cause scalding, rain allows fungus and infection to enter, and frost and cold also cause damage. A mild and overcast day in October is therefore ideal.
How to cut cypress trees
Cypress is not just cypress. The cypress genus alone (Cupressus) counts at least 16 species - depending on how you classify the individual species. And then of course there are the related cypresses (Chamaecyparis), which are often mentioned in the same breath. Although all of the associated species are quite insensitive to cutting and fast-growing, you should adapt the pruning to the growth. Mediterranean cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens) grow quickly at first, but the bigger they get, the slower their growth becomes.
Regarding the cutting technique, as with other woody plants, it is 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 pruning shears.
But before you get started, you should be aware that removing the top of the growth has far-reaching consequences. If this is radically cut off, 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 changed growth habit. It is best to support the natural shape by pruning. To do this, you should especially crop the sides. If you don't do this, the cypress can gradually bare from the inside out. However, when cutting, be careful not to get into the brown and dead twig areas, because these gaps may never close again. Radical cuts should therefore also be treated with caution and should be spread over several years.
If you would like to plant the cypresses as a hedge, you can also support the natural growth habit. Especially with Mediterranean cypresses, this leads to a beautiful picture. However, some species such as the Leyland cypress are also suitable for the typical hedge trimming.
Cypress pruning procedure - the most important points:
- Use clean and sharp tools
- Bevel cutting edge
- Do not cut off the tip to avoid disturbing the natural growth habit
- Crop sides to prevent balding
- Stay in the green areas of the leaf, do not cut into the brown areas
- Leyland cypress also suitable for hedges
We have compiled everything you need to know about cypresses here.