In the case of the cypress, the original growth form is usually retained. The trees usually grow in a columnar shape and taper to a point at the top. However, cypresses can be brought into almost any desired shape by a topiary. Cypresses with a ball or cloud as a tree crown are particularly popular.
Older cypresses in particular should be pruned with care
Cut cypresses into specific shapes
If you want to shape a cypress tree that is already growing in the garden, you need to be patient. It takes at least two years for a round ball to form. The cloud shape is a bit faster. In the case of particularly complex shapes, you must reckon with the fact that many years will pass before the cypress has reached the desired shape.
Of course you can also choose other shapes. Just make a template to cut along. For round shapes, wire mesh that you tie over the treetop is a good way to shape the cypress into the shape you want.
How often do you need to do a topiary?
Carefully cut back older cypresses. The topiary should be done in several stages so that you don't have to remove too much at once.
The main pruning is carried out in the spring before the cypress sprout. A second topiary is carried out after the end of the growth phase in August.
You can remove protruding branches at any time. Be careful not to damage the scrap wood when cutting.
Cut cypress as bonsai
Cypresses can also be pruned very well as bonsai. The times for topiary are also in spring and from August.
You can also wire a cypress tree to give it the desired bonsai shape. The wires must not be wound too tightly, but also not too loosely. They must be removed by April at the latest so that they do not cut into the branches.
In order to keep the tree small, you must also cut the roots at regular intervals, whenever you transplant the cypress.
tips
You can buy ready-made cypresses in certain shapes such as spheres, squares or clouds in gardening shops. You only have to trim these trees regularly so that the shape is maintained.