Question
I have 5 leeland cypress trees (6ft) they were lush and beautiful, planted 4-08.  I live 30 miles north of Galveston and left for 36 hrs, for the hurricane.  Upon returning, the cypress were leaning and mostly brown.  After a month, they look about the same.  I have kept them watered.  We got wind over 100mph but no high water.  To look at them you would think they were dead.  The stems have some green on them, are flexible, and not drooping, and just a few brittle areas.  The brown isn't ever going to turn green and I can't cut the limbs off as it would look even worse, just a stalk.  Is this windburn, maybe with salt?  What should I do?  My husband has joked that he could spray paint them green ha. ha......

Answer
It sounds like wind burn that could have some salt burn. Since it sounds like it is still alive I would let it be and see what develops next spring. Do not cut the limbs off these should put out new foliage. Since they are young they should recover. I would wait until next spring to make any decision on pruning or replacing.