Cypress is an iconic conifer of Mediterranean gardens, but it can also be found in many ornamental gardens, whether formal, contemporary, or topiary. Whether shaped into a ball or exhibiting a fastigiate habit (upright and narrow), like the Italian cypress, it requires regular pruning to maintain its elegance, shape, and limit its bulk. Discover our tips for pruning a ball or fastigiate cypress.
When to prune a cypress for a beautiful shape?
Pruning the cypress is done at two times of the year to avoid compromising its vigour.
- In spring, between April and May, an initial pruning helps clean the silhouette after winter and stimulates foliage density.
- At the end of summer, between late August and September, a second intervention refines the shape and prepares the plant for winter without encouraging new growth.
Avoid pruning during frost or extreme heat, as well as during prolonged dry spells.
What tool to use for pruning a ball or fastigiate cypress?
To prune your cypress, you will need well-sharpened tools for a clean cut, which will facilitate the healing of the bush. Ideally, equip yourself with:
- A manual hedge shear for rounded shapes.
- A quality pruning shear for small touch-ups or young shoots.
- Possibly an electric or petrol hedge trimmer, only for very tall or numerous fastigiate Italian cypresses.
Tip: Always disinfect the blades before and after pruning to prevent the spread of fungal diseases from one plant to another.
How to prune a ball cypress?
- Observe the silhouette of your cypress and identify any imbalances.
- Start with the top, cutting the main stem to define the final height.
- Work progressively on the sides, turning around the subject to maintain symmetry.
- Cut the light green young shoots, never pruning into old wood, which does not regenerate.
- For ball cypresses on a stem, clean the base of the trunk by removing any suckers that appear.
Tip: a flexible template made of cardboard or a taut string can help guide your cuts.
How to prune a fastigiate cypress (Italian cypress)?
The Italian cypress, with its naturally slender habit, requires lighter maintenance pruning, mainly aimed at controlling its growth:
- Remove any excessively long lateral branches that disrupt the narrow silhouette.
- Shorten the tips of young shoots by just a few centimetres.
- Remove damaged or dry branches by cutting them back to the base.
- Maintain a central leading shoot (main stem) to guide vertical growth.
Good to know: Pruning should remain gentle to avoid distorting the columnar habit. It is often recommended to prune a maximum of 1/3 of the year's growth, without touching the old wood.
Frequently asked questions about pruning ball cypresses
- Which variety to choose for a ball-shaped cypress?
Not all varieties are suitable for ball shaping. It is best to opt for cypresses with dense and well-branched foliage, such as the Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) or certain Cupressus macrocarpa. These conifers tolerate regular pruning well and maintain a beautiful density.
- Can the Italian cypress be pruned into a ball?
No, the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is naturally fastigiate, meaning it has a narrow columnar shape. It is not suited for ball shaping, but rather for gentle maintenance pruning to preserve its slender silhouette.
- Can a young cypress be shaped into a ball?
Yes, it is even recommended. From the first year of planting, regular pruning of young shoots helps structure the shape and encourages dense foliage, essential for a beautiful sphere.
- What to do if the cypress becomes too large?
Never prune into old wood, which does not regenerate. In case of excessive growth, it is better to prune the green shoots severely (by 2/3).
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