I have 40 ft bald cypress that is not leafing properly. Many of the branches are dead. I think I may have poisoned it when I built a bench surrounding it, for the legs of the bench I used treated pylons. Is it possible that the toxins from the pylons have leached into the ground and poisoned it? And, if so, if I remove them, can the tree come back? There is some budding occuring but it is too late. Is size relevant as to when cypress start to leaf? Other smaller cypress trees in my neighborhood are blooming nicely.
You may well be right about the treated wood affecting your tree. Here's an article that might help you with ideas to save it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/contaminated-soil-treatment.htm
If you want to get a soil test, here's a link that will help you locate the nearest extension service: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
Does removing a knee kill or damage a bald cypress tree growing in my yard? The knee was a hazard. Please tell me I haven't killed my tree. It is dropping leaves and small branches and the trunk appears to be slumping. I am beginning to panic every time the wind blows.
There really is no clear cut answer to this. Based on my research there seems to be division among experts on the issue of whether or not removing knees poses harm to bald cypresses. There is even division on why the knees form in the first place - some say they only form in wet areas while others say the moisture is irrelevant. Is it moist where your tree is? Anyhow, according to the following extension article, "knees were once thought to be important in oxygen exchange for the roots but this notion has been discredited because researchers have cut away knees and trees have suffered no ill effects."
http://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/bald-cypress.aspx
A bald cypress stressed by environmental conditions may respond by shedding its leaves - this is especially true in periods of long drought. I see that portions of Alabama are classified as abnormally dry right now.
For more information on cypress trees, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cypress/growing-cypress-trees.htm
Should I remove the lower branches from 2" caliper, 7' tall newly transplanted bald cypress?
If the branches are overly-long, then you can cut them back. The important thing to remember about cypress trees is to go slow and steady, branch by branch. This article may help you identify which branches to cut and how far back:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cypress/cutting-back-cypress-trees.htm
I gathered a few female cones from a bald cyress on East Texas. Can I plant these cones and grow a tree in N Shreveport, LA.
Usually, you will want to harvest the seeds out of the cone, but if this was already open when you found it, then there are no seeds likely left in there. You should be able to see some if you pick apart the scales of the cone, if there are still seeds inside.
This article will help you grow these if you find that you do have some viable seeds that come up: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cypress/bald-cypress-information.htm
Bald cypress is 2 years old. What are these clusters on my bald cypress tree? I noticed them last year on several limbs. I hope the attached picture is clear to show them.
This is normal - it's the fruit of the bald cypress. Nothing to worry about.
I live in Middle Tennessee and I have a spot in my yard that doesn't quite dry up, ever. I was contemplating planting a bald cypress tree. I've heard that cypress trees will soak up a lot of water and have seen them thrive in the amps of Louisiana where I'm from. I know I will have to deal with the cypress knees as the tree gets bigger and someone told me you can just saw the knees off at ground level while not affecting the tree itself? Is that true and what are your thoughts on planting in a place that always is wet or damp?
There are some serious issues for you to consider as pointed out in the following article. Eventual size of the tree being a big one, soil acidity/alkalinity you can check with a soil pH meter or test kit from a local garden center. I'm not sure about cutting off the "knees", its best not to create wounds if you don't have to.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cypress/bald-cypress-information.htm
Hello, I have a Bald Cypress tree 16 feet tall, planted right at 2 1/2 years. they bare out in spring very well look full and healthy, Now (05/30/20)I noticed one of the trees seems to have a brownish tint to it. That's the best I can explain it. should I be worried that tree is possibly dying? or is there something else going on with it. I water them 2 times a week about 2 gallon on each tree, tree trunk is roughly 3 inches thick.I do not see any bugs.My other cypress is fully green and looks good.I am uploading a couple of pictures maybe they will show the brownish tint. I live in Alabama.
The trees would benefit from a deep watering once a week, rather than two light waterings.
A common problem is chlorosis due to alkaline soils, especially if the tree came from acidic soil.
I would get a soil sample done (local extension agent can do that) and make sure all is well in the soil. You can also discuss the brownish tint as he is probably familiar with that in the area.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cypress/bald-cypress-information.htm