Planting False Cypress

Chamaecyparis is a genus commonly known as False Cypress. In the yard, planting this evergreen provides texture and greenery to the landscape. The best time to plant this evergreen shrub is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are more mild, and the risk of heat stress is lower. To grow a healthy False Cypress, be prepared to plant and water deeply while the plant establishes a strong root system.

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What You Need To Plant  False Cypress

  • Shovel
  • Compost or manure
  • Good location
  • Water source
  • Mulch

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Where to Plant False Cypress

The best place to plant False Cypress is in a moist, but well drained location. False Cypress generally does best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Given their preference for moist soil, a partial sun location is likely to be successful. Plant this evergreen where a hole three times as wide of the root ball can be dug, and six or more inches deeper than the root ball. 

False Cypress Spacing

False Cypress can grow large over time, but it depends on the variety. If several dwarf false cypresses are planted, they can be separated by as little as five feet. For standard false cypress trees, up to 20 feet of spacing is recommended. 

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Steps To Plant False Cypress

Step 1 - Scout for a location that contains plenty of moisture and receives full sun exposure. 

Step 2 - Dig a hole that is three times the size of the root ball, with a depth about six inches deeper than the root ball. 

Step 3 - For heavy clay soil, improve drainage by adding compost or manure to the soil and mixing it in.

Step 4 - Once the hole is dug and soil prepared, put the root ball in the hole and fill the vacant sides of the hole with soil.

Step 5 - Water plentifully, getting rid of any air sockets.

Step 6 - Water well at least one to two times per week until established. 

Step 7 - Add a layer of mulch at the base of the newly planted tree to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

When to Plant False Cypress

The best times of year to plant False Cypress is the spring and fall in order to avoid heat stress. This will also be beneficial as far as providing enough moisture to help the roots establish. 

Transplanting False Cypress

False Cypress should be transplanted in the early spring, after the last frost and once the ground is workable. It’s a good idea to water liberally in the days leading up to transplantation. Before digging the plant up, be sure to prepare another location that gets plentiful sunshine but retains moisture. Dig a generous hole that’s wider and deeper than the shrub’s root ball.

This evergreen generates a dense root system, so be sure to dig about 18 inches from the trunk all the way around. Try to keep the root system intact when moving the root ball. Once planted, water deeply and keep moist until established. 

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Author Chris Link - Published 08-22-2022