Arizona Cypress Tree

The Arizona Cypress grows abundantly in the northern part of Arizona at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. Historically, the Arizona Cypress could be found at lower elevations when the southern deserts were wetter. Today, you’ll find this tree growing naturally in the Sedona, Arizona, area, and many homeowners plant these trees in the Dallas, Texas, area to enhance the beauty of their yards.

What Is an Arizona Cypress Tree?

Image via Flickr by jacinta lluch valero

The Arizona Cypress, Hesperocyparis arizonica, formally known as Cupressus arizonica, is an evergreen conifer tree native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. This hardy, drought-tolerant tree is ideal to grow in the Dallas, Texas, area with its long, hot summers. The Arizona Cypress comes in a variety of cultivars including:

• Blue Ice.
• Blue Pyramid.
• Carolina Sapphire.
• Golden Pyramid.
• Silver Smoke.

What Are the Main Characteristics of the Arizona Cypress Tree?

The striking Arizona Cypress has a classic pyramid or conical, Christmas tree shape with slender, lacy, silvery-blue needles and small, reddish-brown round cones. This tree has dark gray to brownish-black bark that contrasts beautifully with the bluish coloration of its needles.
In addition, these trees have a distinct, aromatic fragrance, and many people use the branches for holiday wreaths or garlands because of the colors and scent. You can use Arizona Cypress trees for landscaping and shade as this tree can grow up to 40 to 50 feet in height, making them ideal to use as a windbreak and to help control soil erosion.

What Problems Might I Have With My Arizona Cypress?

Even though the Arizona Cypress is a hardy conifer, it can become infested with cypress bark beetles which will bore holes into the trunk of the tree, causing severe damage. Sometimes, the Arizona Cypress can get bagworms that create a webbing over the trees, and the worms will chew through the leaves, causing defoliation.
You may notice a mass of green growing on the upper branches of the Arizona Cypress tree. This is a parasitic mistletoe that steals nutrients from the tree, weakening its system. These trees can also get unsightly galls caused by a fungal invasion, stem cankers that need immediate removal, and yellowing of the needles if the soil has poor drainage or the tree needs fertilization.

How Do I Care for My Arizona Cypress Tree?

Having a professional arborist who understands how to prune, fertilize, and get rid of insect infestations or diseases is the best way to care for your Arizona Cypress tree. Your tree will thrive in full sunlight and can tolerate high temperatures. However, high humidity can make the tree prone to diseases. You’ll need to water your Arizona Cypress tree regularly based on the amount recommended by your North Texas arborist.
If you would like more information on how to care for your Arizona Cypress, our team at TreeNewal can help. We are a full-service sustainable tree-service company serving the wider Dallas-Fort-Worth, Texas, area. Contact us today for all of your North Texas tree needs, including pruning or fertilization for your Arizona Cypress.