Italian Cypress trees are slow-growing evergreen trees with distinctive, dark green needles. They are native to Persia, but also grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Italian Cypress tree has a long history of being used as an ornamental tree in gardens.
Italian cypress trees need fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These three nutrients are essential for the tree’s growth and development. These nutrients and others are available from different sources. The sources of these nutrients are applied to the Italian Cypress trees as fertilizers.
Types of Fertilizers for Italian Cypress Trees
There are different types of fertilizers that can be applied to Italian Cypress trees; however, it is important to understand how these fertilizers work before deciding on which to buy and not buy. The knowledge of how fertilizer works would help you know which fertilizer is best for the Italian cypress tree and when to apply it. Here is it:
1) Slow-release fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer is one of the best choices for the Italian Cypress. These fertilizer types release nutrients slowly into the soil over a long period. The frequency of usage of this slow-release fertilizer is usually low, about twice a year because of its longevity in the soil. Examples of slow-release fertilizers are compost, vermicompost, animal manure, and organic wastes.
One of the benefits of applying a slow-release fertilizer to Italian Cypress trees is that these fertilizers won’t overwhelm the tree plant and will provide nutrition gradually over time. It enhances a lush and healthy landscape. Slow-release fertilizers are applied using the top dressing or band placement method of fertilizer application.
A recommended dosage of this fertilizer is applied near the root zone of the Italian cypress tree. After application, it is covered with the topsoil. It is advisable to water Italian cypress trees weekly, starting when they go into their growth spurt, and during the fall, before the trees go dormant. This helps to activate the fertilizer for nutrient release.
2) NPK Fertilizers
The NPK fertilizers are specially formulated fertilizers that contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in different proportions to meet and correct nutrient deficiency. These fertilizers are rapid in action and do not last long in the soil like slow-release fertilizers. NPK fertilizers are available in different formulations depending on the needs of the plant
A balanced NPK fertilizer, like 10:10:10 or 15:15:15, is best for the Italian cypress trees during the vegetative growth stage. This fertilizer supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal proportion. This NPK fertilizer can be applied in a ring formed around the Italian cypress trees. The fertilizer granules are poured into the ring before covering it with the top soil.
The difference between the NPK fertilizers and slow-release fertilizer is the mode of action. NPK fertilizer gives an instant response to the nutritional needs of Italian cypress trees; they are fast-releasing and do not stay in the soil for a longer period like slow-release fertilizers.
Recommended Fertilizers for Italian Cypress Trees
We have compiled a list of fertilizers that can be beneficial to the growth of the Italian cypress trees. These fertilizers can be used across the growth stages of the Italian cypress trees.
Scotts 110500 Super Bloom Water Soluble Plant Food, 2-Pound (2 Pack)
- It is a water-soluble plant food that feeds plants instantly
- It contains high phosphorus to help plants bloom
- Apply every 1-2 weeks for best results
PowerSi Granular 500g
- Power Si Granular is a slow-release granular fertilizer that contains stabilized silica, and other proprietary ingredients.
- It helps to release locked-up nutrients from the soil.
- Power Si Granular provides a stable matrix to keep silica in an active state, which is available to the plants for an extended period (up to 30 days after application).
- facilitates fast, visible, and structured growth of both vegetative and flowering.
The Andersons Professional Lean & Green Fertilizer 2-0-0 with Iron
- The Andersons Lean & Green 2-0-0 contains 10% iron for extra deep greening of trees with limited top growth
- Ideal for summer applications when the tree is becoming dull from stress
- Designed to be used as a supplement to a fertilizer program
Fertilizing your Italian cypress trees should be done in early spring or early summer, depending on your climate. Fertilize your trees every six months when using a slow-release fertilizer for optimum health and follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions before application.
Watering after fertilizer application is an important practice; however, it is important to keep in mind that Italian cypress trees are sensitive to overwatering. It may appear rusty or brownish foliage, but this is caused by the soil being too waterlogged. Soil should be amended to increase drainage. Mulch the soil well to keep out weeds and other plants.