Cypress trees for the desert southwest
Cypress trees for the desert southwest. Most Cypress trees are moderate to low-watering trees once established. It will take about 2-4 years before these trees become established. They are evergreen conifers throughout the year and require little maintenance. If you want them to look good and grow faster, they will need evergreen fertilizer at least once month during the first 2 to 3 years after planting.
The Benefits of Cypress Trees
Very fast-growing, drought-tolerant once established. Very little pruning or maintenance is required. They can tolerate poor soil but will do better with well-composted soil at initial planting. Once they become established, they need little water. Excellent trees for noise reduction or a border wall for privacy concerns.
Problems with these trees
Like most conifers, they are susceptible to spider mites in dry hot climates. Needle blight and canker are also a problems. Read more about these problems over at Homeguides.com
Arizona Cypress
(Cupressus arizonica glabra) It can be used as a windbreak or tall privacy screen. A sturdy evergreen n noted for its reddish type of bark and dark blue/green foliage. Very drought-tolerant and can withstand drought conditions.
They like full sun but can tolerate 4-5 hrs. of shade. A fast grower to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Does excellent in the Southwest. USDA Zones 6-9 follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general-purpose evergreen fertilizer just before new growth begins in spring.
The Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
The most common is the Italian Cypress. It will grow upwards of 70-80 ft. tall and about 4-5 ft. wide. It is also called the Mediterranean cypress. If planted close together, they can provide you with a good windbreak wall or privacy wall.
They are dark green and have dense foliage. A drought-tolerant Conifer once they become established, typically around the third or fourth year.
Like most cypress trees, they are susceptible to spider mites during dry hot conditions. Use a good spider mite control spray if you notice brownish spider web color during the mid-summer months. Learn more about spider mites and other insects here.
Cypress trees for the desert southwest
The blue Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica ‘Blue Pyramid’) looks a lot like the common Arizona Cypress except it has a large blue tinge on foliage, especially during the winter seasons. It is drought-tolerant once established. An evergreen cypress and fast-growing up to 20 to 25 feet high, 10 to 12 feet wide. This cypress tree provides excellent color during the colder months.
USDA Zones 6-9: Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, shear annually to shape.
Cypress trees for the Desert Southwest
Blue Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’)
Tall, elegant, and unmistakably stately, the Mediterranean cypress stands out in any landscape with its narrow, columnar form and dense blue-green foliage. This classic conifer is often used to frame driveways, accent entryways, or create dramatic vertical interest in gardens. Its closely spaced branches give it a full, refined appearance, making it a favorite in formal Mediterranean- or Italian-style landscapes.
Like most cypress varieties, it is an evergreen tree that maintains its foliage year-round, providing constant color and structure. It thrives in full sun and, once established, becomes highly drought-tolerant—an excellent choice for dry or low-maintenance landscapes. This fast-growing tree can reach impressive heights of 60 to 80 feet, with a slender width of just 2 to 3 feet, though it may grow larger in ideal conditions.
To ensure strong, healthy growth, water regularly during the first two years after planting. This helps the tree develop a deep and extensive root system. Once established, reduce watering and allow the tree to adapt to natural rainfall or minimal supplemental moisture. With proper care, the Mediterranean cypress becomes a striking, long-lived focal point in any landscape.
Feed with a general-purpose evergreen fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. USDA Zones 6-9 Color Your World Nurseries, located in Las Cruces, NM, will usually have this type of cypress tree in stock. Ask your friendly retail nursery for such a tree.
This tree will grow to about feet or so. It is a great ornamental tree for a front entrance or a showy landscape design. It can block neighbors’ or nearby traffic’s view. If trimmed correctly, it can be used as a shade tree.
Furthermore, it is an easy-care tree that rarely needs trimming and can serve as a good windbreak. Perfect for the Southwestern winds during spring.
The Bald Cypress Trees
The Bald Cypress tree (Taxodium distichum). A good Cypress for the Southwest Region, and is a slow-growing type of conifer. Most evergreen conifers will retain foliage during the winter season, but not this tree. It loses its needles in winter but will regenerate new needles once the spring season comes around. Yes, it is deciduous. A good tree for something different in the desert southwest.
They will grow into large, majestic trees over time. They can tolerate dry conditions but should be watered thoroughly during the early stages of planting. It thrives in the full hot sun, but the foliage may turn yellow in alkaline soil. Applying iron supplements will turn it green in no time.
One of the benefits of this tree is that the foliage will turn a nice bold bronze color during the fall season. Learn more about the Bald Cypress here.
Cypress tree Problems
Like most conifers, Cypress trees spider mites will invade this tree, especially when conditions are consistently hot, dry, and arid. Spraying with a strong stream of water will keep these insects at bay, and using neem oil will also help.
Do you have comments or questions about this tree? Comment below.
For our area, how often and how much water do established Italian cypress trees need?
FYI, when on your website I cannot locate much of the info that a google search directed me to. For example, on your website I can’t locate info on Palm trees, but google did!
This is excellent information, but your website should be tweaked a little.
Thanks for your comment, Rick. In and around the Southwest Italian Cypress trees over 5 years old become drought-tolerant. However, it is still best to water at least once per week during the hot summer months. They are susceptible to spider mites. Here is a link with more information on these trees. Italian Cypress Trees.
We will look into making our website more user friendly.
I would like to know how to increase the width of my cypress trees for noise reduction I water them once a week in summer and fertilize them with evergreen tree spikes in spring Thanks Billl
Hello, Bill. Watering once per week is ok for well-established Cypress trees. However, if you want thicker, faster growth, I would recommend watering at least every other day, especially during the hot summer months. Check for spider mites at least twice per month. These trees are susceptible to these tiny insects.
Tree spikes do work, but they take forever to dissolve. I recommend a good all-purpose tree fertilizer or Grow More’s 20-20-20; soluble (mixes with water). Most nurseries have these fertilizers in stock year-round. Do this at least once per month, starting in early spring and ending in late fall.
Let me know how they look by mid-spring 2026.