Why is the top of my Italian Cypress drooping? - Ask Extension
My Italian cypress was planted April 2023 and was doing fine, but over the last few weeks it's becoming brown in some locations and the top is droopin...
Knowledgebase
Why is the top of my Italian Cypress drooping? #878498
Asked July 23, 2024, 8:28 PM EDT
My Italian cypress was planted April 2023 and was doing fine, but over the last few weeks it's becoming brown in some locations and the top is drooping. See attached images. Thank you for looking.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
The browning and drooping of your conifer is a sign of trouble, but it’s hard to judge from photos what it is. If this is a high value landscape tree, you may want to hire an arborist, who can make a site visit rather than rely on photos as we must. Confirm the arborist is certified. (Link is to search function and more information.)
A root problem is the likely issue. It’s challenging because this might be too much or too little water. Sometimes a new tree was planted too deeply, or has developed girdling roots. Cankers or trunk damage is another thing to look for.
As you examine the trunk and root area, does everything look good? When you test the soil, like putting a finger in it, is it very wet or very dry?
How was your tree planted? Check out this publication EC 1438 about planting a new tree. Did you follow recommendations about planting depth? Did you back-fill the planting hole with only native soil?
Often root problems can’t be treated with anything. Provide appropriate drainage and watering, possibly shade it on the hottest days, and hope for the best.
We are happy to review photos if you share further distant views and close ups of trunk and soil.
A root problem is the likely issue. It’s challenging because this might be too much or too little water. Sometimes a new tree was planted too deeply, or has developed girdling roots. Cankers or trunk damage is another thing to look for.
As you examine the trunk and root area, does everything look good? When you test the soil, like putting a finger in it, is it very wet or very dry?
How was your tree planted? Check out this publication EC 1438 about planting a new tree. Did you follow recommendations about planting depth? Did you back-fill the planting hole with only native soil?
Often root problems can’t be treated with anything. Provide appropriate drainage and watering, possibly shade it on the hottest days, and hope for the best.
We are happy to review photos if you share further distant views and close ups of trunk and soil.
