Arizona Cypress

Plant Type: Trees
Plant Height: 40-50 feet
Spread: 20-30 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

The Arizona Cypress is highly prized for its unique foliage color and pyramidal shape, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting and windbreaks. It's also used for its wood, which is durable and aromatic.

The most distinctive feature of this tree is its foliage. The blue-green to silvery-gray color provides year-round interest and makes it a standout in the landscape. The leaves are small and scale-like, clinging closely to the twigs, giving the tree a dense, textured appearance. In the winter, some varieties may take on a slightly purplish hue.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Arizona Cypress is known for its adaptability to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It's particularly well-suited to arid and semi-arid climates, as it is drought-tolerant once established. The tree also grows relatively quickly and is known for its wind resistance, making it a good choice for windbreaks and privacy screens.

Arizona Cypress can be used in large landscapes, parks, and rural settings. It's also suitable for xeriscaping, given its low water requirements. The tree's tall, narrow form allows it to fit into tighter spaces where a robust evergreen presence is desired.

Care for the Arizona Cypress is relatively straightforward. It requires minimal pruning, mostly for shape and health, and benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods, especially when young. This tree's combination of beauty, low maintenance, and adaptability makes it a valued addition to landscapes, particularly in regions with dry climates.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Arizona Cypress

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil)
• Spacing: Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for mature growth and optimal airflow
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking typically required once established; young trees may benefit from light staking to help them grow straight

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to encourage deep root growth and establishment
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the root zone

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: The Arizona Cypress is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots are well-integrated into the surrounding soil and the tree begins to show consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Arizona Cypress is drought-tolerant once established, but it still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure water is delivered to the root zone, avoiding excess moisture near the trunk. This encourages deep root growth and prevents fungal issues.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters that provide 2-3 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This allows the water to penetrate deeper into the soil, which is beneficial for the tree’s roots.
• Number of Emitters: Place 2-3 emitters around the base of the tree for even water distribution, adjusting as the tree grows. This will ensure all areas of the root zone receive adequate moisture.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for trees like the Arizona Cypress that require deep, infrequent watering. This will allow you to adjust watering frequency and amounts as needed based on the tree's specific needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: During the hot summer months, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days. In the cooler months, reduce watering frequency to every 3-4 weeks or according to rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 3-4 inches of soil are dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Arizona Cypress prefers dry conditions once established, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree does not sit in standing water.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and suppress weeds, but avoid placing mulch directly against the tree’s trunk.