Q.My potted cypress tree is looking a bit brown on the inside. What could have caused this?
The Italian cypress is approx 13 feet tall and is in a 3 foot diameter pot. I give it plenty of water – as it would be in Italy – heavy drenching once or twice a week in hot weather.
I have given it fertiliser too. I wonder whether the very hot summer we had last year has contributed, or the fact that I have just repotted it into a larger container. Any advice would be gratefully received.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
These can be a little cold sensitive. Anything under 0F (-17C) will give them a burn as you describe.
Over fertilization can cause these symptoms, as well.
Unfortunately, so can overwatering!
There are multiple causes that could have caused this, and heat will not be one of them. These trees are tropical to temperate, and do best in warmer climates.
Regardless of temperature outside you will only want to water when the first 2 or 3 inches of soil is COMPLETELY dry. They will need regular irrigation, but if the soil is not allowed to dry out some, they will contract infections.
I would treat with a mixture of 1/3 peroxide and 2/3 water. Do this once per week for two weeks. This will treat anything growing in the soil that isn't supposed to be there.
Hold off on feeding for quite awhile. You will be able to get away with feeding a granular 1 or twice per year.
This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/italian-cypress/growing-italian-cypress-trees.htm
