By: Shelby McCullough| Published: December 12, 2022
The tree service professionals at McCullough Tree Service can take care of your bald cypress tree in Orlando, FL. Call us at 407-734-5854 for a free estimate today.
You can find the towering bald cypress tree throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. You’ll see these native trees growing naturally along rivers, beside ponds, and across swamps, but many homeowners also use them as long-living landscape trees.
Whether you’re considering planting a bald cypress on your property or already have these tall trees in your yard, keep reading for a short guide on this distinctive tree. Our certified arborists at McCullough Tree Service know all about Florida’s native trees and how to care for them.
Bald Cypress Tree: A Brief Overview
You can recognize the bald cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) by its tall trunks that flare out like bell-bottom pants at the base. These trees also produce cypress knees when planted near water. Cypress knees are irregular woody knobs that grow up from the ground from the tree’s roots, rising above the water level.
The bald cypress tree is a deciduous conifer that sheds its leaves in early autumn and regrows its leaves in late spring, hence the “bald” moniker. They grow natively across the southeast coast, in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and along the Gulf coast in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
The bald cypress can reach more than 100 feet in height and live for hundreds of years. The oldest known example of these ancient trees is more than 2,600 years old.
Growing Conditions for Bald Cypress Trees
Although often not the first thought for an ornamental tree, the bald cypress makes an excellent option for planting on Florida properties. Bald cypress trees prefer full sun and warm, humid climates, but they can tolerate a wide range of environments once mature.
Bald cypress trees thrive in a variety of soil types, from swamps and lakes to dryer soils away from any bodies of water, and they hold up well to strong wind, rain, ice, and snow. The best soil for a bald cypress tree is moist but well-drained. These trees prefer acidic soils and may develop an iron deficiency in alkaline soil.
Caring for a Bald Cypress Tree
If you’re planting a bald cypress tree or have one on your new property, keep the following tips in mind while caring for your tree:
- Plant your bald cypress where it will get as much sunlight as possible.
- Water immature trees at least once a week for a couple of months after planting.
- Keep the soil moist but not drenched.
- Mulch around your tree to keep the soil cool and damp.
- Call a certified arborist with any concerns about your bald cypress.
Let McCullough Tree Service Care for Your Bald Cypress
Our tree experts at McCullough Tree Service can help you keep your bald cypress tree healthy. We understand the unique needs of the bald cypress, including common ailments and pests, tree spacing, and more. Call 407-734-5854 for your free estimate today, and we’ll help you determine the best plan for maintaining or removing your bald cypress tree.
Now Serving Meadows Woods, FL
We’re thrilled to announce that McCullough Tree Service is now offering its expert tree care and maintenance services in the Meadows Woods, area. Meadows Woods, residents can benefit from our wide range of services, including professional tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, and comprehensive storm cleanup. Our team of certified arborists is dedicated to maintaining the health and beauty of your trees, ensuring your landscape remains safe and attractive. Trust us to bring top-notch tree care solutions to your doorstep. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (407) 734-5854.
