I Have Seven Gold Mop Cypress Shrubs That We Planted…
Kathy Asked
I have seven Gold Mop cypress shrubs that we planted this past spring. All of a sudden some of the foliage is turning brown and their coloring doesn’t look as vibrant. They get plenty of sunlight, but it has been beastly hot down here and we have had a drought. I have watered them but with as hot as it has been I am pretty certain I haven’t overwatered. Is there anything I can do to save them?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Kathy: Does the browning seem to be spreading? It sounds like your evergreens may not be receiving enough moisture. How often are you watering? Newly planted shrubs should get an inch of water per week, either by Mother Nature or a hose. A good soaking is needed every three to four days for the first couple of months if they are getting their roots established during the hot summer months. This is especially true for your sandy soil that drains so well. Spring is a fine time to plant as long as we are going to be around during the hot summer months to keep our new additions watered. Some evergreens are more susceptible than others to sun damage, but Chamaecyparis is one that is more likely to be affected by hot, dry, and potentially windy situations. For now make sure your plants are getting enough moisture. The good news is that a little bit of sun damage is not going to kill your shrubs. As long as it does not spread, it will just make them look less appealing for now; they should put on new growth the following season. If there are tips that are completely brown go ahead and prune these dead parts off; otherwise, avoid fertilizing and keep up with your watering. Adding a thin layer of mulch, no more than 2 inches, will help keep the moisture in.
