Proper Spacing Between Italian Cypress Trees

Italian Cypress trees are tall, skinny evergreen trees used in landscaping to create elegant privacy borders or to enhance entryways. They can be planted in the ground or in large pots, and they grow just about everywhere. Italian Cypress trees require little water and can adapt to any soil type. They can grow to 60 feet tall without ever growing very wide.

Spacing

Italian Cypress trees should be planted about 5 to 6 feet apart, especially if you're planning to create a privacy border on your property. Once full grown, it will be difficult to see through the border, granting privacy within. If you aren't so concerned with privacy, and would like a more decorative design, you can plant the trees 8-10 feet apart. Once full grown, there will be enough room between the trees to walk through.

Planting

When planting the Italian Cypress, the hole should be twice the size of the root ball. The soil inside the hole should be loose so the roots can penetrate it easily. It is best to loosen the roots gently with your hands before placing the tree inside the hole. The root ball should remain about 2 inches above the surface of the hole, and a level can be used to make sure the tree is straight. Always add water to the hole as you're filling it with dirt, and water it again when finished.

Caring for the Newly Planted Italian Cypress

For the first month, the newly planted trees should be on a regular, once-a-day watering schedule. The Italian Cypress does not need fertilizing during the first year after planting. After that, a lightly mixed fertilizer is fine. The trees should be staked during the first year until the roots are established.

Mulch

To help retain moisture during the first year, 2 to 3 inches of mulch should be placed around the base of the tree. As the mulch decomposes, it will improve the soil structure, which in turn will benefit the tree.