Sun, part shade; deciduous, with copper or yellow fall color. A very large and tall tree, bald cypress thrives in Southern swamps, on Hill Country rivers, and along the San Antonio Riverwalk. There are distinct Central and East Texas varieties; Central Texas natives lack the distinctive “knees” of their Eastern cousins. (Cypress knees are believed to help oxygen reach roots submerged in swamp muck; as this isn’t much of an issue in the Hill Country, local trees generally grow without knees).
Bald cypress prefers moist soil or a location within 15 feet of water. In an appropriate location, bald cypress can grow swiftly to impressive size, often too large for small urban lots. It is able to tolerate compacted, poorly drained soils and dry or upland areas where it would not be expected to occur naturally. However, the cost of removing a large dead cypress from an iffy site might be expected to discourage homeowners from using it casually in the wrong place.
Plan on pruning in winter every five years, and spot pruning as needed during the growing season. Pruning cuts should only be made at a bud or branch, and mostly just to remove dead, damaged, or rubbing branches. As with any tree, remove no more than 25% of the canopy during any five-year cycle. Leave the upper 2/3 of the tree’s crown uncut to maintain a healthy specimen, never removing more than the lowest third of the tree in a single pruning period. Mulch with about 2” of woodchips or pine bark wherever possible. In general, a tree’s mulched area should be a minimum of six feet.
The classic bald cypress is best enjoyed in swamps and along riversides.
