Italian Cypress Crispy

[ahosey01]

I recently bought some Italian cypress trees for the south side of my house to (eventually) shade the south wall and hopefully drive down my electric bill in the summer over the next few years.

They were sitting in pots for about two weeks outside the house.  Temps have been high, but not crazy like they have been.  I watered them probably 4 times in the two weeks they were out there.  I know this species doesn’t like a ton of water.

Anyways, when I went to plant, I noticed that several of them have leaves which are stiff and crispy. The branches are still pliable and the leaves are still green.  Is this a real problem? 

I know conifers can be tough to deal with when it comes to shock or heat stress.

Edited September 21, 2020 by ahosey01

[Silas_Sancona]

32 minutes ago, ahosey01 said:

I recently bought some Italian cypress trees for the south side of my house to (eventually) shade the south wall and hopefully drive down my electric bill in the summer over the next few years.

They were sitting in pots for about two weeks outside the house.  Temps have been high, but not crazy like they have been.  I watered them probably 4 times in the two weeks they were out there.  I know this species doesn’t like a ton of water.

Anyways, when I went to plant, I noticed that several of them have leaves which are stiff and crispy. The branches are still pliable and the leaves are still green.  Is this a real problem? 

I know conifers can be tough to deal with when it comes to shock or heat stress.

Tough to say for sure but honestly doesn't look good..  Would say, for now, keep them moist but not wet..  If the needles start breaking off when lightly touched, they're done..  " Blue Ice" AZ Cypress ( the smooth barked variety ) might be a better option -if- you have to replace these. 

[ahosey01]

5 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Tough to say for sure but honestly doesn't look good..  Would say, for now, keep them moist but not wet..  If the needles start breaking off when lightly touched, they're done..  " Blue Ice" AZ Cypress ( the smooth barked variety ) might be a better option -if- you have to replace these. 

They all have needles which break off when touched lightly.  Great!  Lol.

[Silas_Sancona]

36 minutes ago, ahosey01 said:

They all have needles which break off when touched lightly.  Great!  Lol.

Don't feel bad, was at a local nursery last week and all but 1 of the 15gal AZ. cypress they had out were completely fried. Might take them back to where ever you purchased, if you can.

[ahosey01]

3 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Don't feel bad, was at a local nursery last week and all but 1 of the 15gal AZ. cypress they had out were completely fried. Might take them back to where ever you purchased, if you can.

Yeah I called and the first guy tried to imply it was my fault.  Sure man!  Second guy was willing to refund me.