Bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) are impressive trees that can grow up to 100 feet tall in their native wetland habitats. With their attractive feathery foliage and interesting knobby knees, they make a great addition to many landscapes. But proper planting depth is crucial for the health and longevity of these trees. So how deep does a bald cypress tree need to be planted?
Determining the Right Planting Depth
When planting any tree, it’s important not to plant it too deep. The base of the trunk where it meets the root system, called the root flare or root collar, should be right at or slightly above the soil surface when planted. Planting too deep can lead to decline and even death of the tree over time.
Bald cypress trees and their close cousins, pond cypress trees, should be planted at the same level they were growing in the nursery pot. The root flare should be exposed. Remove any excess soil above the roots before planting. Gently loosen any circling roots on the sides and bottom of the root ball as well.
When purchasing bald cypress trees, look for ones grown in containers rather than bare root. Container-grown trees establish more quickly after planting. Carefully look through the soil at the top of the container to find the root flare. If it is buried in the pot, remove soil until you expose it. The top of the root ball in the container is where the planting depth in the ground should be.
Digging the Right-Sized Planting Hole
In general, the planting hole for a bald cypress tree should be no deeper than the root ball, and about 1.5 times as wide. For a 10-gallon size tree, dig a hole that is about 15 inches deep and 18 inches wide. The width is more important than depth to allow for adequate root spread.
Loosen the soil on the sides and bottom of the hole, breaking up any large clumps. Amend the soil removed from digging with organic matter like compost. Mix in a granular tree fertilizer as directed on the package
Place the root ball into the hole, positioning the tree straight and upright. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground surface. Refill the hole about halfway, gently tamping to settle the soil. Water thoroughly before backfilling the rest of the way. Create a water basin around the tree to help direct water to the roots.
Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base, taking care to avoid mulch touching the trunk. This will help conserve moisture and discourage weed growth.
Providing Ideal Growing Conditions
In wetlands, bald cypress trees can root very deeply to reach the water table. But in landscape settings, most of the roots will be in the top 12-18 inches of soil. These are also where the majority of water and nutrient absorption happens.
Bald cypresses prefer acidic, moist soils. Ensure the soil pH is between 5.0-6.0. Adding elemental sulfur or acidifying fertilizers can help lower pH. These trees tolerate occasional flooding but grow best with consistent moisture. Water deeply once a week during dry periods.
Allow plenty of space between trees, at least 15-20 feet. Bald cypresses have pyramidal habits when young but spread out as they mature. Prune lower branches as needed for clearance while trees are young. Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer each spring to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Correcting an Improperly Planted Bald Cypress
Sometimes bald cypress trees fail to thrive after planting due to being put in the ground too deep. Symptoms include thin foliage, leaf yellowing, and lack of new growth. If these occur shortly after planting, the tree is likely buried too deeply.
Carefully dig around the base of the tree, gradually exposing the root system until you locate the root flare. This may require excavating 6 inches or more of soil. Try to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Once the proper depth is found, replant at the proper level.
Water deeply after replanting and apply mulch. Stake the tree for support if needed while it reestablishes. Monitor soil moisture and water regularly for the first year. With prompt correction, buried bald cypress trees often recover and grow well. But leaving them too deep will lead to eventual decline.
Planting Bald Cypress in Wet Sites
Bald cypress naturally grows in swamps and wetlands. When planted in continuously moist or flooded areas in the landscape, some precautions should be taken:
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Select pond cypress varieties that are more flood-tolerant than standard bald cypress. Look for cultivars like ‘Prairie Sentinel’.
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Plant on mounds or raised areas rather than in depressed sites. Dig extra wide holes to allow roots to spread horizontally.
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Add organic material like compost to planting holes to improve drainage.
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After planting, water deeply and allow soil to drain before flooding.
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Let trees establish for 1-2 years before allowing permanent standing water.
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Expect slower growth compared to drier landscape sites. Supplement with fertilizer.
Even moisture-loving bald cypress will decline if totally submerged for too long. Provide drier periods for best growth, and plant above the water level.
Key Takeaways on Bald Cypress Planting Depth
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Expose the root flare at the previous growing level when planting bald cypress trees. Never plant too deep.
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Dig a wide planting hole no deeper than the root ball, and amend the soil with compost.
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Water deeply after planting and add mulch. Allow plenty of space between trees.
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If planted too deep, replant at proper level as soon as possible for best recovery.
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Select flood-tolerant varieties and allow trees to establish before permanent flooding.
Bald cypress is a unique and beautiful landscape tree, especially near ponds or wet sites. Follow proper planting technique, give them space to grow, and you’ll enjoy their graceful form and lacy foliage for years to come.
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Should I plant a Bald Cypress Tree? | Catherine Arensberg
FAQ
How deep to plant bald cypress trees?
Do bald cypress trees have deep roots?
What are the negatives of bald cypress?
Where is the best place to plant a cypress tree?
How do you grow a bald cypress tree?
Prepare the soil: While the bald cypress can tolerate poor soil conditions, it will thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Amend the soil with organic matter if necessary. Plant the tree: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
How tall do bald cypress trees grow?
These trees grow slowly, but they mature into giants. When you start planting a bald cypress tree in your backyard, try to imagine the tree several decades in the future at 120 feet (36.5 m.) tall with a trunk diameter of 6 (1.8 m.) feet or more. The other piece of bald cypress information to keep in mind involves their longevity.
How do you plant a cypress tree?
After setting your cypress in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the plant straight and your other hand to begin back-filling your soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil. Then continue back-filling to the top edge of the root ball.
How much space do bald cypress trees need?
Remember, the bald cypress is a large tree, so ensure you have enough space for it to grow. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends a spacing of at least 25 feet from buildings and other large trees. Once established, bald cypress trees require minimal care. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your tree thrives.