Question
How do I know when to water my Italian Cypress?  Is there a way to tell by looking at the foliage?  Is there a way to tell by probing the soil?

Answer


Water the roots of newly planted trees twice each week for the first several months after planting. Watering is done by placing a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.

Measure the moisture depth of the soil using a stick as the tree continues to grow. Push the stick straight down into the soil around the base of the tree and retrieve it to determine moisture depth.

Water the tree when the moisture level of the surrounding soil is more than six to ten inches below the surface.

Water on occasion once the Cypress tree is established. Once two or three years pass after planting, these durable trees need little to no water unless the location is particularly dry.
Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inch deep of organic mulch not piled up on the truunk. This will hold moisture around the roots.