What is the correct way to trim a Cyprus tree and it's above ground roots?

Answer 1

Let's assume you are asking about bald cypress or Taxodium distichum. This is a lovely large deciduous tree that is often found in swampy wet areas. However, they make great landscape trees even in well-drained soils. Bald cypress trees rarely need pruning. When young, they have a neat pyramidal shape and when mature the canopy is more spreading. Prune them only to remove low branches, damaged wood, rubbing branches or those with an attachment angle greater than 60 degrees (tighter angles may grow to form occluded wood and are more susceptible to damage in high winds.) When to prune depends on the hardiness zone, but generally a good time to prune a non-fruiting deciduous tree is in early spring. At least, finish pruning by mid-summer to allow enough time for the new growth stimulated by pruning cuts to mature before winter. The above-ground roots you mention are also known as knees. The function is unknown though scientist speculate they may help with oxygen absorption stabilize the trees in wet soils or protect the leaves from foraging dinosaurs. Cypress trees tend to form knees in wet locations, in drier landscapes they usually do not appear. Knees can be removed at any time, though I would do so only if they pose a hazard to things like lawn mowers or folks with walkers