How Quickly Does the Bald Cypress Tree Grow?

The bald cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) is a large, deciduous conifer that is native to swampy areas of the Southeastern United States. With its attractive pyramidal form and gracefully drooping branches, it makes a stunning landscape specimen. If you’re considering adding a bald cypress to your yard, you may be wondering – how fast does this tree grow?

An Overview of Bald Cypress Trees

Bald cypress trees are quite large, reaching up to 100-120 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide when mature. They have reddish-brown bark that becomes furrowed with age. The needle-like leaves are light green and turn orange-brown before dropping in the fall.

One of the most distinctive features of the bald cypress is its “knees” – knobby, cone-shaped growths that protrude from the soil around the base of the tree. These knees help provide stability and oxygen to the root system when the tree is growing in swampy soil.

Bald cypress trees thrive in moist, humid climates Their native range extends from Delaware to Texas, throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast They are well-adapted to wet soils and can withstand periodic flooding. In fact, they are often found growing in standing water!

The Growth Rate of Bald Cypress Trees

So how fast do bald cypress trees grow? Bald cypress is considered a fast-growing tree, but its growth rate can vary based on soil, moisture, and sunlight conditions

On average you can expect a bald cypress to grow

• 1 to 2 feet per year when planted in ideal conditions – moist, fertile soil with full sun.

• 12 to 24 inches per year when planted in drier soils or partial shade.

• Less than 12 inches per year in very dry soils, compacted clay, or full shade.

Bald cypress growth slows down as trees mature. Young trees may put on 2 or more feet per year for the first 10 years. Growth gradually slows down as the canopy spreads. After 40-50 years, mature bald cypresses may only grow several inches per year.

Factors Affecting Bald Cypress Growth Rate

Several factors affect how quickly bald cypress trees put on height and girth:

Soil Moisture

• Bald cypresses grow best in constantly moist (but not waterlogged) soil. Provide supplemental irrigation during dry periods.

• Avoid letting soils dry out completely, as this will slow down growth.

Sunlight

• Full sun is ideal. Bald cypress can tolerate partial shade when young but needs full sun as it matures.

• Trees grown in full shade tend to be thin, leggy, and slower growing.

Soil Type

• Rich, acidic, loamy soils are best. Avoid heavy clay.

• Amend soil with compost or peat moss if drainage is poor.

• Avoid alkaline, salty, or compacted soils.

Age of the Tree

• Young bald cypress trees grow rapidly once established. Expect 1-2 feet per year.

• Growth slows down as trees reach maturity. Mature height is usually attained in 40-60 years.

• Very old bald cypresses (100+ years) may add negligible height each year.

Proper Care

• Water young trees regularly until their root system is established.

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

• Prune selectively to maintain an attractive form.

• Control weeds and grass competition around the root zone.

Planting Considerations for Fast Growth

Here are a few tips to ensure your bald cypress gets off to a vigorous start:

• Select healthy nursery stock – choose a tree with a sturdy trunk and well-developed roots. Avoid plants with damaged roots or limbs.

• Plant in spring – this gives the tree the whole growing season to establish roots before going dormant in winter.

• Give it space – bald cypress needs room to reach its full size. Allow at least 30-50 feet between trees.

• Plant at the right depth – don’t plant too deeply. The root flare should be just above soil level.

• Water thoroughly after planting and as needed the first two years. Install a soaker hose to simplify watering.

• Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed competition. 2-4 inches of wood chips or pine straw is ideal. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

• Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or a long-acting tree spike. Excess nitrogen can cause leggy growth.

When to Expect Maximum Growth

For most landscape specimens, peak growth occurs while trees are in the juvenile growth phase, before flowering and seed production begins.

Bald cypresses take 20-30 years to reach sexual maturity. Maximum growth occurs during the first 20 years – as much as 2 feet annually.

After maturation, growth slows down significantly. However, bald cypresses can continue gaining girth for 300 years or more.

Tips for Maximizing Bald Cypress Growth

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your bald cypress:

• Bald cypresses develop a large taproot and extensive lateral roots. Give them plenty of space.

• Remove competing grass and weeds, which rob water and nutrients.

• Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

• Irrigate young trees during dry spells for the first two years.

• Prune selectively to promote good structure and form. Avoid heavy pruning.

• Prevent damage from livestock, equipment, and lawn mowers.

• Control pests like cypress bark beetles, aphids, and bagworms when populations are high.

• Don’t over-fertilize. Excess nitrogen leads to fast but weak growth.

When Growth Slows Down

Don’t be alarmed if your bald cypress doesn’t put on 2 feet of growth every year after it becomes established. Slowing growth is natural for maturing trees.

Growth of just a few inches annually is normal for large, mature bald cypresses. Their energy goes into girth rather than height as the tree ages.

As long as your bald cypress looks healthy, with full, green foliage, don’t worry about reduced height increments. Simply enjoy its graceful beauty!

The Majesty of Mature Bald Cypress Trees

While bald cypress growth may slow down after the juvenile phase, the trees continue developing character and majesty.

Given proper care and growing conditions, bald cypresses can thrive for 600 years or more. Though not the fastest growing landscape tree, their massive size, attractive foliage, and stately form make the growth rate worthwhile.

So if you have the space and love the look of these iconic Southeastern trees, go ahead and plant a bald cypress! Before long you’ll be enjoying its unique beauty and personality in your landscape.