How to prune european cypress (goldcrest lemon cypress)

Late spring to early summer, once new growth has firmed up. Use sharp shears or scissors to lightly clip only the current season's soft green tips, following the natural conical outline. Never cut back to bare brown wood, which will not reshoot.

Once or twice a year (spring and optionally late summer). Goldcrest Lemon Cypress kept indoors or as a container plant needs only light trimming to maintain its columnar shape. Avoid cutting back into old bare wood — it will not regenerate. Light clipping of new green growth keeps it tidy. Grown outdoors it requires the same restraint.

Use sharp shears or scissors to lightly clip only the current season's soft green tips, following the natural conical outline. Never cut back to bare brown wood, which will not reshoot.