In contrast to false cypresses, real cypresses suffer more often from fungal infestation. They are less resilient because they don't cope quite as well with the climatic conditions in Germany. When does fungal infestation occur and what can be done about it?

Browning of the leaves can indicate fungal infestation

Causes of fungal infestation on cypress trees

The most common cause of fungal infestation on cypress trees is too little or too much humidity and soil moisture.

Cypresses tolerate neither complete drought nor too much moisture (waterlogging). Since it rains much more frequently in Germany than in the countries of origin, you should only plant real cypresses in drier regions.

If the soil is very heavy and loamy, waterlogging will form very quickly if there is no drainage in the soil and the water cannot therefore drain away. Waterlogging encourages a fungus that causes root rot.

Control of fungal diseases

You can tell whether a cypress is suffering from fungal infestation by the discoloration of the needle tips and later the entire branches. They turn brown, yellow or get a grey, dusty coating.

If you cut off an affected branch and discover feeding passages there, it is not a fungal disease, but an infestation of leaf miners. They have to be fought differently.

Cut off affected parts of the plant generously. However, remember that the cypress cannot regenerate in these areas, especially if you cut directly into the old wood. Dispose of the plant remains in the garbage can and not on the compost.

Injectables as a last resort

If the whole cypress hedge is infested with fungi, cutting it off is no longer enough. To prevent the trees from dying, the only option left is to use a spray against fungicides. Sprays are available from garden supply stores. Let us advise you on the application.

Prevention of fungal attack

  • Sunny to semi-shady location
  • water regularly
  • create drainage
  • spread mulch layer

Ensure that the cypress in the garden has a sunny spot. Even in winter, water the trees on frost-free days. Prevent waterlogging.

Lay down a layer of mulch. It prevents the soil from drying out too much. At the same time, the mulch layer serves as winter protection.

tips

Always use clean tools when tending cypress trees. Unclean scissors transfer fungal spores to the other trees.

Category:

Trees