Bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) are prized for their pyramidal form and weeping feathery foliage. So if your young bald cypress is growing sideways instead of upright it can be worrying. But don’t panic – with a few adjustments, you can get your tree back on track to grow tall and straight.
Common Causes of Sideways Growth
There are a few key reasons an established bald cypress tree may start to lean or deviate from vertical growth
Insufficient Root Development
Like most trees, bald cypresses need a robust root system to anchor them firmly upright. Young trees still developing their root systems are prone to leaning if not staked properly. Make sure young trees are firmly staked and avoid disturbing the root zone.
Wind Exposure
Bald cypresses grown in windy areas may start to lean downwind as they grow to counteract the pressure The constant wind force can cause permanent sideways growth Install windbreaks to protect your tree or use guy wires to secure the trunk.
Overcrowding
Nearby trees encroaching on your bald cypress can force it to grow off-kilter while competing for sunlight. Give your tree room to spread out and prune back or remove neighboring trees.
Improper Pruning
Pruning off too many branches on one side can cause imbalanced growth. Always maintain an even distribution of foliage around the tree when pruning.
Root Damage
Trenching, construction activity, or changing grade near a bald cypress can sever anchoring roots on one side, allowing the tree to lean. Protect the root zone from disturbance and soil compaction.
Poor Drainage
Soggy soil deprives roots of oxygen. Drainage issues usually affect just one area, limiting root growth and causing leaning away from excess moisture. Improve drainage around the root zone.
Light Exposure
Trees grow towards light. If your bald cypress is partially shaded on one side, it may lean into the sun. Prune back shading trees or structures to allow even light exposure.
Correcting Sideways Growth in Bald Cypresses
If your bald cypress tree is already leaning, all is not lost! Here are some tips to correct sideways growth:
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Stake younger trees firmly to train them to grow straight.
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For larger trees, install support cables and braces to slowly shift the tree back to vertical.
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Prune branches on the underside of the lean to redistribute the canopy weight.
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Remove competing trees/vegetation and improve drainage on the leaning side to encourage new root growth.
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Monitor for signs of root damage and treat diseased roots.
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Maintain proper tree health with regular watering, fertilization, and pest control.
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Consider professional bracing solutions like tree guying systems for severe leans.
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Be extremely patient! It can take years to gradually correct severe leaning.
Preventing Future Sideways Growth
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to mature tree care. Here are some tips to keep your bald cypress growing straight:
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Select a spot protected from strong winds.
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Prepare the soil thoroughly to encourage deep root establishment.
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Stake young trees for 1-2 years until well anchored.
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Control nearby weed/turf competition while trees are establishing.
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Mulch around the tree but avoid excessive mulch touching the trunk.
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Prune judiciously to maintain an even canopy.
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Monitor for signs of disease or pest problems.
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Arrange routine professional safety inspections.
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Never trench or grade near the root zone of established trees.
Paying attention to soil, drainage, weather forces, nearby vegetation, and overall tree health will go a long way towards preventing sideways growth issues. With proper siting and care, your bald cypress will thrive skyward for decades to come.
Blog Network: Marthas Circle
Time for some pruning and maintenance on the trees at my Bedford, New York farm.
As the owner of a working farm with many gardens, groves, and allees, I am constantly looking at all the plants and trees, making sure they are in perfect condition. Pruning is one of our biggest and most important tasks. Pruning is about more than just looks; proper pruning improves the health of the plants, prevents disease, and encourages better flowering. There are different pruning strategies for different times of the year, but overall the goals are the same – to control the shape, to keep bushes and trees fresh and open, and to allow for better air circulation through the center of the specimen. Yesterday, my gardeners “limbed up” the bald cypress trees – pruned back the low branches to keep them from hitting any cars on the carriage road and to allow enough light to filter down to the plants below.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Should I plant a Bald Cypress Tree? | Catherine Arensberg
FAQ
What causes trees to grow sideways?
How do you prevent bald cypress knees?
How do you know if a cypress tree is dying?
What’s wrong with my bald cypress?
What is a bald cypress?
Bald Cypresses are big, bushy trees with beautiful, distinctive features. They’re one of only a handful of deciduous conifer trees in North America, and they’re usually among the first trees to drop their foliage in the fall and the last to leaf out in the spring. It’s this unique feature that gives the Bald Cypress its name.
What are some common bald cypress problems?
Here’s a quick list of common Bald Cypress problems to help you figure out which signs and symptoms warrant a call to a certified arborist for professional tree care: Chlorosis: You should monitor your Bald Cypress for signs of Chlorosis, which is when the leaves on your tree turn prematurely yellow, especially during periods of drought.
Does a bald cypress tree have a taproot?
Bald Cypress Trees have a taproot as well as horizontal roots that do not tend to cause a lot of foundational damage. One unique aspect of the Bald Cypress Trees’ roots is that they can form “knees.” These knees are structures of the root system that rise above the ground as an extension of the root.
Do bald cypress trees have knees?
One unique aspect of the Bald Cypress Trees’ roots is that they can form “knees.” These knees are structures of the root system that rise above the ground as an extension of the root. They tend to be more prominent in trees that are plants in poorly draining areas and are less prevalent in trees that are in well-drained soil.