Tall, columnar Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), also known as Mediterranean cypress, is said to look like a birds feather or exclamation point, which makes it stand out and up, especially when several are planted side by side.
Italian cypress grows to an average 50 feet tall and spreads just 4 to 5 feet, narrowing to a point at the crown. Foliage is evergreen with sprays of dark gray-green needles on short, upright branches. It does not flower but produces glossy, round, brown or copper-colored seed cones in autumn.
This evergreen lives up to a 150 years in the urban landscape and a thousand years in its native climate. Several shorter cultivars offer greater versatility for homeowners, growing from 10 to 30 feet tall and one to three feet wide. Given the right climate, this is a fairly easy tree to grow.
Italian cypress trees are a classic and elegant landscaping choice, with their narrow, columnar shape and rich green foliage. These hardy evergreens originate from the Mediterranean region and have been prized for millennia for their beauty, hardiness and versatility in the garden. If you’re looking to add structure, privacy or a stately architectural element to your landscape, 20 foot Italian cypress trees are a perfect option.
Why Choose a 20 Foot Italian Cypress?
Italian cypress trees are exceptionally fast growing—some varieties may grow up to 3-5 feet per year once established. This rapid growth rate makes them ideal for quickly achieving privacy or filling in a new landscape design. A 20 foot Italian cypress will provide ample height to screen views or unwanted sights in a very short period of time.
Additionally, 20 foot cypresses are large enough to make an immediate impact and anchor key areas of your garden, while still being small enough to transport and install without massive equipment. A mature 20 foot tree strikes a perfect balance for most residential and commercial settings.
Finding the Right Place to Plant
When deciding the right spot to plant your new 20 foot Italian cypress, consider the following:
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Full sun – Italian cypress prefer sites with abundant sunlight For best growth and form, plant in an area receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
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Well-drained soil – These trees thrive in soil that drains readily after rains. Avoid soggy perpetually wet sites.
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Wind protection – The slender shape of Italian cypress makes them vulnerable to strong winds Plant near a wall or structure to protect from gusts, or cluster multiple trees together to shelter each other.
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Design impact – A single 20 foot cypress makes a striking accent or focal point. Multiple trees can quickly create an imposing, elegant screen.
Caring for Your New Tree
Once your 20 foot Italian cypress is planted, follow these tips to keep it looking its best:
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Watering – Water deeply and regularly after planting, especially during the first two years as the tree establishes. Mature cypress are quite drought tolerant but some summer irrigation is ideal.
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Fertilization – Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer annually in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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Pruning – Minimal pruning is required beyond removing any dead or damaged growth. Reshape or trim only as needed to maintain the columnar form. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Pest protection – Watch for signs of common cypress pests like bagworms, spider mites or scale insects. Control with organic or natural treatments promptly to avoid lasting damage.
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Mulch ring – Maintain a 2-3 inch deep ring of shredded bark mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil as it decomposes. Keep mulch a few inches back from the trunk.
Where to Find the Best 20 Foot Italian Cypress for Sale
Buying large specimen trees like 20 foot cypress requires finding a reputable nursery with mature stock. Here are some things that ensure you get top quality:
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Field grown – Look for trees that were cultivated in the field or open beds rather than small containers. Field growing allows bigger, stronger root systems.
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Local climate appropriate – Seek out trees grown locally or regionally to ensure they are adapted to perform well in your area. Avoid importing from distant nurseries.
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Straight trunks – Select trees with fairly straight, vertical trunks without major curves or odd shapes that can develop from close spacing in nursery beds.
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Full canopies – Look for full, rich canopies extending down close to the ground, without thin or bare lower branches.
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Good bark – Avoid trees with cracks, holes, oozing sap or other signs of injury on the bark. Check for pest damage also.
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Warranty – Reputable sellers will guarantee viability and even replace trees that fail to thrive within a certain timeframe after planting.
When you buy from a quality nursery like The Tree Center, you can order your 20 foot Italian cypress trees with confidence knowing they check all the boxes. With proper planting and care, your new cypress trees will soon grow into stunning evergreen pillars in your landscape. Let these classic beauties create lasting structure and style for your outdoor spaces.
Temperature and Humidity
Hot, dry climates are preferred. This tree can tolerate temperatures as high as 125 degrees for short periods of time, if kept hydrated. Provide winter protection when temperatures dip to 10 degrees or below. Humidity associated with high temperatures is tolerated better that cold, wet air.
Light
Plant Italian cypress in full to partial sun with at least four to six hours of even sunlight daily. Growing too close to a fence or building results in uneven or stunted foliage on one side. A small amount of shade is tolerated, but too much can lead to a scraggly, unattractive appearance.
Italian Cypress Trees For Sale in Florida/Large Palms &Trees Planted and Guaranteed/#buylargepalms
FAQ
How tall is a 15 gallon Italian Cypress tree?
| Plant Type | Trees |
|---|---|
| Approximate size upon delivery* | 15 gallon, 72″h x 9″w 5 gallon, 72″ h x 8″ w *Plant heights are taken from the top of the soil to the top of the plant and do not include the height of the container. |
| Deciduous / Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Bloom Time | n/a |
| Mature Size | 40′< h x 3 – 15′ w |
What are the downsides of Italian cypress trees?
Italian cypress Cupressus sempervirens thrive in full sun in the dry, Mediterranean-type climate of California, but it does poorly and can become stressed and diseased in a wetter or cooler climate and if it is planted where it gets too much water or in partial shade or if it is exposed to cold winter temperatures.
How much does a mature cypress tree cost?
Prices can range widely depending on the variety and size of your desired cypress tree. You could snag a smaller variety for as little as $25, but if you’re eyeing a mature beauty standing 7-8 feet tall or planted in a 10- or 15-gallon pot, you might be looking at a price tag of up to $500.
How fast do Italian cypress trees grow?
Do Italian Cypress Trees grow fast? Yes, Italian Cypresses are considered to grow at a fast rate, around 3 ft. per year once established.