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Bald Cypress Tree Pros and Cons [With Key Pruning Tips]

The elite stature of the Bald Cypress Tree brings many pros and also some cons for your yard, which you should not overlook.

Generally, the Bald Cypress Tree comes with pros such as drought & wet tolerance, their long-lived nature, and ornamental richness, but they also hold cons like invasive roots, constant juvenile care, and susceptibility to some pests & diseases.

If you want to learn about growth habits and how to keep their growth in check, stick to the article!

What Are Bald Cypress Trees? 

Bald Cypress Trees (Taxodium distichum) are deciduous cone-bearing plants originating from the Southeastern United States.

These plants are known for their ability to grow in wet and swampy areas and are usually found in wetlands and riverbanks.

Bald Cypress Trees
The Bald Trees are about 2000 years old.

Bald Cypress Trees belong to the family Cupressaceae. Moreover, Bald Cypress Trees can grow very large, with some reaching heights up to 100 feet.

On top of that, the plants’ bark is reddish-brown, and the leaves are needle-like and arranged in two rows.

Additionally, these plants are available in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, and Texas.

Are Bald Cypress Trees Coniferous or Deciduous?

The Bald Cypress trees are deciduous cone-bearing plants that shed their leaves in the fall. 

However, most conifers are evergreen and can keep their leaves and branches all year round.

Interestingly, the wood of Bald Cypress Trees is resistant to rot and can grow in wet and mushy areas.

On top of that, you can use the wood of these plants for various purposes, including construction, furniture & boatbuilding.

Bald Cypress Tree: Pros and Cons 

Bald Cypress Trees are Gymnosperms (cone-bearing non-flowering plants), but like Angiospermic flowering plants, they have their own advantages.

  • Drought Resistant: Bald Cypress Trees can endure drought conditions, making them a good choice for areas with hot, dry summers.
  • Wet Tolerant: These plants can also tolerate wet conditions to thrive in mushy and wet areas.
  • Incessant Growth: These plants can live for hundreds of years, making them good investments for the future.
  • Ornamental Purpose: The dried cones of Bald Cypress Trees are attractive indoor decorative trinkets. 

However, despite their benefits, they may not always benefit your garden.

  • Bald Cypress Trees grow very large, so they are not suitable for indoors and partially shaded areas outdoors.
  • Extensive roots of Bald Cypress Trees can harm the buildings or fences around them.
  • These plants are susceptible to some pests & diseases, such as Scales, Aphids, and Root rot. However, you can use Neem oil to prevent them.
  • Cypress Trees need regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting.

From Editorial Team

Conclusion!

Bald Cypress Trees can grow at a rate of 13-24 inches annually. To keep their growth in check, you must prune their branches.

Hence, you must prune your Bald Cypress Trees during late winter or early spring and remove the branches off the trunk. 

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