Expert: Jim Hyland - 8/26/2009

Question
Hi,

I was wanting to know when is it the best time of year to plant Italian Cypress trees in Texas zone 7b?

Thanks,
Bonnie

Answer
The best time would be after the hardwoods have dropped their leaves up unit just before they bud out again in the spring. The Fall or early winter would be best. Dig the new hole twice the size of the root ball and as deep. Fill with good top soil or potting. Plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground and remove the burlap and wire before you plant the trees. Mulch around the trees with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch ( pine straw is good) not pile up on the trunk. Do not fertilize the trees for the first year.