If you’ve noticed that your Arizona cypress tree is growing sideways instead of upright, you’re not alone. This attractive evergreen conifer is a popular choice for landscapes across the Southwest, but sideways growth is a common issue for these trees. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why your Arizona cypress may be growing sideways and provide tips to help get your tree back on track.
Environmental Factors Causing Sideways Growth
One of the top reasons an Arizona cypress can start growing sideways is due to environmental factors, especially strong winds. These trees naturally have a pyramidal “Christmas tree” shape, but high winds can bend the trunk and branches, causing the tree to lean or even grow entirely on its side.
If your cypress tree is in a windy area a windbreak may help block damaging gusts. Fencing or planting taller trees as a shield can protect your cypress from winds that may be forcing it to grow sideways. Pruning out any dead or damaged branches will also remove weak areas that can bend in the wind.
Improper Pruning Techniques
Incorrect pruning is another prime cause of Arizona cypresses growing sideways. These trees have a dominant central leader stem that should remain intact. If too much of the central leader is trimmed off, the tree can lose its vertical growth habit and start branching out to the sides instead.
When pruning your cypress, take care not to cut back the central leader. Selectively remove lateral branches to encourage upright growth of the leader. Proper pruning methods will maintain the pyramid shape and stop sideways growth.
Root Damage Preventing Upright Growth
Arizona cypress trees need healthy roots to anchor them properly in the soil If the roots have been damaged or compromised, such as by construction activity or compaction of the soil, the tree may struggle to stand upright and start growing sideways.
To prevent root damage, avoid compacting the area near your tree. Minimize activities that could impact the roots like digging or driving heavy machinery nearby. Providing adequate water and fertilizer will support the roots to keep your cypress stable.
Nutrient Deficiencies Cause Abnormal Growth
Like all plants, Arizona cypress requires certain nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other essential nutrients can lead to stunted or abnormal growth patterns. This includes unusual sideways branching.
Have your soil tested to see if any key nutrients are lacking. Based on the results, amend the soil around your cypress tree to provide a balanced supply of nutrients. This will encourage proper upright growth. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen which can harm the tree.
Pest or Disease Issues Trigger Sideways Growth
Sometimes pests and diseases are the underlying problem causing a cypress tree to grow on its side. Spider mites, scale, beetles, and other pests can infest Arizona cypress trees and weaken the plant’s health. Diseases like canker, rust, and root rot also damage the tree, potentially leading to sideways growth.
Carefully check your cypress for signs of infestation like webbing, specks, unusual branch dieback, or oozing from the bark. If pests or disease are discovered, consult an arborist about appropriate organic treatments. Addressing these problems will help get your cypress growing straight again.
How to Correct Sideways Growth in Arizona Cypress Trees
If your Arizona cypress is already leaning severely or growing horizontally, it takes some effort to correct the sideways growth habit. Here are some tips:
-
Stake the main trunk using strong supports to slowly pull the tree back to vertical. Avoid forcing it upright too quickly which can damage the trunk.
-
Prune branches on the lowered side to reduce weight and encourage the tree to right itself. Remove no more than 1/3 of living branches per year.
-
Attach guy wires from the upper branches on the leaning side to anchors in the ground to provide support against winds.
-
Build up soil on the lowered side of the root system to encourage more root growth on that side for balance.
-
Transplant very small trees into bigger holes on their sides, then slowly tip them upright as they establish roots.
-
Ensure the tree gets adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight to support healthy, vigorous growth.
With patience and care, you can coax an Arizona cypress tree back into an upright position. But prevention is ideal, so protect young trees from strong winds and improper pruning. Give them plenty of space for roots to spread. Your cypress will reward you with years of beautiful, pyramid-shaped greenery.
k
Carolina Sapphire Arizona Cypress – Cupressus arizonica
FAQ
How do you stop cypress knees from growing?
How much water does an Arizona Cypress need?
Why do cypress trees grow knees?
What’s wrong with my cypress tree?
What do Arizona cypress leaves look like?
The tiny leaves of an Arizona cypress tree look like scales and come in different shades of green in different varieties including gray-green and blue-green. The Arizona cypress is monoecious and both the male and female flowers are little, yellowish-green, and found at the tips of the branches.
How do you care for a cypress tree in Arizona?
Here are the main care requirements for growing Arizona cypress: Plant it in a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Give it at least 1 inch of water per month, preferably more, and water deeply. Avoid planting it in a humid climate. Do not fertilize the tree. Prune minimally in the late winter to remove dead wood.
Which cypress tree is drought-resistant?
Of these varieties, the Carolina Sapphire Arizona Cypress is the most drought-resistant. Now that you know more about the Arizona Cypress tree, let’s find out what you can do for planting and caring for this evergreen. When planting, place in an area where it can receive full sunlight, or between 6 to 8 hours per day.
What cypress trees grow well in Arizona?
‘Blue Pyramid’: sweet-scented powder-blue foliage and a reddish bark. It responds well to shearing so it is suitable for a hedge. It grows 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide, adding 15 inches of growth per year. ‘Silver Smoke’: the Arizona cypress cultivar with the brightest foliage.