QuestionWe have many Italian cypress lining our driveway with 15 feet between each
and good drainage in South Carolina. A recent wind storm caused many of
the trees to lean and then a snowstorm caused many of the branches to
separate and fall horizontally. Should the trees be staked or wrapped or
branches tied up to continue strong vertical growth? They were planted at
about 4 feet tall and have been in place about three years and are now about
7 - 8 feet tall. Thank you!
AnswerI would stake the trees and you can tie up the branches until they grow back normally. Here is a web link to how to stake evergreen trees. http://www.daytonnursery.com/tips/Tree_Staking.htm
Use tie for the limbs that are soft and not use wire. This will cut into the limb. Some say old panty hose is good. Leave them on for the growing season and they should be ok.
The roots may have been damaged by the leaning so I would water the tree with 1 inch of water per week--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. IF you have not done so mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots.