The cypress is a robust ornamental tree that rarely suffers from diseases if the site conditions are right. Pests occur more frequently and can cause lasting damage, especially to weakened plants. What to do about diseases and pests.

The bark beetle can be dangerous to the cypress

Diseases rare but dangerous

In most cases, diseases are caused by fungal infections. The shoot tips turn brown and die prematurely.

Affected plant parts should be removed as soon as possible and disposed of with household waste.

In a favorable location, fungi cannot spread so quickly. Make sure there is enough distance to other plants to allow air to circulate. Too moist soil with waterlogging is very unfavorable and promotes fungal infestation.

How to recognize pest infestation

If feeding tunnels can be seen in dying shoot tips, or if the twigs are even completely hollow, it is not a fungus but a pest. There are different types of moths and beetles that can pose a threat to the cypress:

  • leaf miners
  • pine beetle
  • bark beetle

What to do in the event of fungal or pest infestation?

If fungi or pests have infested your cypress, you should cut off the affected branches generously and throw them in the household waste. Make sure, however, that you do not cut into the old wood, as the cypress will then no longer sprout.

Leaf miners can appear twice a year and cause lasting damage to the plant. If the infestation is very severe, you should use a commercial insecticide to combat it.

So far, there are no really effective pesticides against fungal diseases and beetle infestation. In the worst case, you have no choice but to rip out the whole plant and dispose of it - but please do not add it to the compost in the garden or use it as mulch material.

Healthy cypresses survive pests well

A healthy cypress survives a pest infestation without major damage. Therefore, take precautions and ensure good care:

  • sunny location
  • humus rich soil
  • Never let the root ball dry out completely
  • Absolutely avoid waterlogging
  • fertilize regularly
  • keep enough distance to other plants.

tips

If the shoot tips turn reddish in summer, this is not due to a disease or pest infestation. These are burns from strong sunlight. Simply cut off the shoot tips.

Category:

Indoor plants