Caring for your Cypress Tree
Grow a Cypress Tree from a Sapling
Congratulations on your new native cypress sapling! As a living organism this sapling will need attention, care and vigilance to help it thrive.
Immediately
Your sapling requires moist soil and direct sunlight. Check soil moisture by touch every other day and be careful not to over water. Tree seedlings should be protected from temperature extremes and never be allowed to dry out.
In two weeks
Transfer your sapling to a one gallon container adding potting soil rich in organic matter. It’s important to eliminate air pockets in the container by firmly packing soil. Continue watering to maintain desired soil moisture.
When your tree is 2 feet tall
Your seedling will be ready to find its permanent home. Seedlings should be planted in an area where the ground soil is moist or shallowly flooded and likely to remain so for several months, such as in a wetland. Cypress are water loving trees and will not survive in a typical yard. Planting cypress in water is fine provided that the seedlings are not completely submerged. If planting them in your yard, choose a location close to water or a low-lying section where water collects during rain events. If you are unable to find a suitable location, consider joining the Marshall Foundation this summer during our wetland restoration tree planting events which are posted on the web calendar. Planting dates are subject to change and we recommend you check for updates.
Grow a Cypress Tree from a Seed
- Soak the triangular shaped seeds in water and refrigerate for at least 30 days, or longer if you change the water frequently.
- Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in potting soil. Use a container with a hole in the bottom, along with a tray to keep the soil moist.
- Keep them in partial sun. Expect germination in 7-30 days.
- Transplant seedlings to deeper pots with trays after germination and grow to a few inches tall. Plant the saplings in appropriate habitat when they are over two feet. See the instructions above.
- Trees grow fast and may reach planting height in less than 6 months.
Get more detailed information about cypress trees and planting.