Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - February 11, 2009
From: Sedona, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Cupressus arizonica with central leader cut in Sedona, AZ
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Will a healthy Cupressus arizonica continue to grow in its native habitat, in Arizona, once the central leader has been cut?ANSWER:
About the best we can say is that the Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) is not going to have a Christmas tree shape. We found very little mention of the central leader, except for a USDA Forestry Service website Arizona Cypress. The only reference there was that it should be grown with a single leader. It didn't say it would drop dead if it lost its leader. This is a native tree, accustomed to harsh conditions and often used as a windbreak. We would bet that it will persist, and continue to grow, if not in quite the traditional cone shape that is usually associated with the tree.
More Trees Questions
Trees resistant to Armillaria mellea, root fungus
December 16, 2008 - We had to bring down a 200 year old oak which root system was compromised by Armillaria mellea. We were told the fungus is still present in the soil & it's advisable to plant a resistant species. W...
view the full question and answer
Need help selecting maple cultivars in Houston.
November 25, 2009 - I live in Houston, TX and would like to plant 2 red maples in my front yard. I know there are multiple varieties planted down here, but I can't tell which one would do best. The ones that I've come ...
view the full question and answer
Are Black Olive trees safe to have in pastures in Florida
May 06, 2009 - I am trying to find out if Black Olive trees will be safe to have in our yard and/or pastures. We raise cattle, goats and horses. We need to find some good shade trees that are safe for our animals ...
view the full question and answer
Problems with Acer rubrum in Sacramento
September 06, 2009 - We live in Sacramento California and have two seven year old Magenta Maple trees in our front yard that are planted about 65 feet from each other. This is the second year in a row that the tree on th...
view the full question and answer
Live oak trees with rusty spots and holes on tree trunks
September 21, 2011 - I have live oak trees that have developed rusty spots, small holes on the tree trunks and sawdust on the trees base. They were planted in Oct 2010. We have had a hot dry summer in Texas this year an...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
