- Cypresses are flat-rooted
- Maintain sufficient planting distance to walls and paths
- Avoid trouble with the neighbors
Cypress trees are shallow-rooted, with the root system developing several main roots and a myriad of smaller secondary roots over time. It is therefore important that the trees are planted at a sufficient distance from walls, paths and neighboring properties.
Cypress roots are shallow but widespread
Cypresses are flat-rooted
Cypress trees are flat-rooted. The roots do not go very deep into the earth, but spread out below the ground.
While the rule of thumb for deciduous trees is that the root ball is roughly the size of the tree crown, this is somewhat different for cypresses. Here the crowns are usually quite narrow, so that the root system extends beyond their circumference.
Maintain sufficient planting distance to walls and paths
Over time, the roots of the cypress grow stronger and many small secondary roots develop. The secondary roots penetrate small holes in the masonry and can thus damage a house wall, wall or foundation considerably. This can be particularly problematic with hedges, as they are planted very densely. The roots then often spread even more.
The main roots can become very thick, allowing them to lift slabs of garden path or pavement. Cracks also appear in foundations and walls when the cypress roots become too dense and strong. In some cases, the roots even burst utility services.
It is therefore essential to keep sufficient planting distance
- garden paths
- streets
- walls
- foundations
- supply lines
- neighboring properties
to avoid trouble later. At least one meter, preferably 1.50 meters, should be between the cypress and the walls.
Avoid trouble with the neighbors
Not every neighbor likes it when a fast-growing cypress hedge grows close to the property line. They have concerns not only about the height of the trees, but also about the roots of the cypress trees.
Therefore, before planting a cypress or cypress hedge, find out from your municipality which regulations apply in your area. In this way, many neighborhood disputes can be avoided from the outset.
tips
Since cypress trees develop a strong root system over time, it is difficult to transplant them. With older trees, there is a great risk that the roots will be irretrievably damaged. You should only replant trees that have not been in place for more than four years.