We have 5 italian cypress that were planted in a row about one year ago as part of new landscaping. They were all around 10 ft tall. Everything seemed ok until a few months ago when first one, than a second started turning brown and dried out. Now a third has turned as well. They get plenty of water. Someone suggested two much water and we have dialed that back. Someone else suggested a parasite given the relatively quick turn of events. Can anyone help?
There's nothing to go on. You haven't mentioned the type of soil they're planted in, or how much sun they get, or how often you do water (and for how long), or if you've looked hard for insects, which could easily be a factor.
Or what condition the roots were in on delivery, and the treatment they received (if any) on planting. Resin
Thank you for your replies. The soil in our area is rich in clay. Good quality soil was added for the plantings which were done by a professional. I can't really speak to the condition of roots when planted. There are no visible insect pests. Watering is on an automatic timer. The planter area where the trees are located was watered four times a week over the summer which was very hot here in So Cal (high dbl digits and low triple digits at times) for up to 15 minutes, but the cypress are adjacent to an area of grass which was watered more heavily. The cypress are located near a fence line, but get direct sun. Again, they all seemed quite healthy until a few months ago when the first one went brown over a very short time and we have since lost two others.
Dig around in the soil and look to see if it is soggy or dusty. Look inside the rootballs of the dead ones for same signs of watering issues, as well as other hints like numerous insects or fungi. Try nearest agricultural Extension office if you find an apparent infestation. If these were planted in a narrow strip dug out of heavy claylike soil and backfilled with lighter topsoil, heavily irrigated they may have been sitting in puddles.
