Troubleshooting
Italian Cypress problems — and how to fix them
Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot from overwatering
The most common cause of decline; whole branches brown out on wet sites. Plant in sharply drained soil and water sparingly once established.
Coryneum (cypress) canker
Sunken cankers, resin bleeding and dieback of branches, especially on stressed trees; remove affected limbs and avoid drought and overhead wetting.
Splaying / opening up
Snow, wind or wet weight can splay the columnar form; tie in with discreet ties to hold the shape.
Spider mites in heat
Hot, dry, dusty conditions encourage mites that bronze the foliage; hose down and monitor in summer.
Prevent italian cypress problems before they start
Most italian cypress issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for italian cypress in general rather than its problems? Read the full italian cypress care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Italian Cypress problems — FAQ
Why is my italian cypress root rot from overwatering?
The most common cause of decline; whole branches brown out on wet sites. Plant in sharply drained soil and water sparingly once established.
Why is my italian cypress coryneum (cypress) canker?
Sunken cankers, resin bleeding and dieback of branches, especially on stressed trees; remove affected limbs and avoid drought and overhead wetting.
Why is my italian cypress splaying / opening up?
Snow, wind or wet weight can splay the columnar form; tie in with discreet ties to hold the shape.
Why is my italian cypress spider mites in heat?
Hot, dry, dusty conditions encourage mites that bronze the foliage; hose down and monitor in summer.