Lawson Cypress Care
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
An evergreen tree that likes cool, humid climates and acidic, well-drained soil. It is extremely susceptible to Izmir's hot, dry summers, its chalky soils and especially to the deadly root rot (Phytophthora) that occurs when it is watered in warm soil, so growing it in this region is strongly discouraged.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Winter precipitation is sufficient. Make sure the soil does not stay constantly soggy.
- Pruning: Not needed. The best time for pruning is the end of the month or early March.
- General care: Make sure drainage is excellent; pooled water increases the risk of root rot.
- Pests & diseases: Root rot (Phytophthora) is the biggest risk.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water young trees once a month.
- Pruning: Late month, before new growth starts, pruning can be done to shape the plant or trim hedges.
- General care: Check the area around the root collar of young trees.
- Pests & diseases: Carry out a general condition check.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist; if there is no rain, water every 15 days (30-40 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: At the start of the month, apply a slow-release fertilizer for acidic soils (azalea/orchid fertilizer). On limestone soils this is essential.
- Pruning: Pruning should be finished by the beginning of this month.
- General care: Apply an acidic mulch such as pine bark to keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
- Pests & diseases: Yellowing of the leaves (chlorosis) is a sign that the soil is limy. A chelated iron supplement may be needed.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: New shoots become distinct.
- Pests & diseases: Usually trouble-free, but aphids may appear on weak plants.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: If grown as a hedge, a light shearing can be done this month.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Pruning: Do shaping and hedge pruning.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Plant protection: Check for spider mites.
- General care: In this climate, keeping this tree alive is very difficult.
- Pests & diseases: Wilting, yellowing, browning and general collapse of the leaves are signs of root rot and are usually irreversible.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: Do the last formative pruning of the season; do not let it put out new shoots before frost.
- Plant protection: A plant under stress is very susceptible to spider mites and scale insects.
- General care: The tree's health has most likely declined.
- Pests & diseases: Root rot can kill the plant completely this month.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: The plant is under severe stress throughout summer.
- Pests & diseases: Check the general health condition; it is likely to appear unhealthy.
- Watering: As of now (September 20) the weather is still warm. The risk of root rot continues. If there is no rain, water only in the early morning hours every 15-20 days (40 L/m²).
- General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
- Pests & diseases: Sudden death of the plant due to root rot that developed in summer may be seen this month.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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