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Check these first
- Check the soil moisture level 4 inches deep.
- Observe if water pools around the base after rain.
- Dig carefully near the base to see if the roots feel soft or mushy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The tree looks wilted and the needles lose their vibrant color. The soil around the base remains constantly damp.
What to do: Adjust your watering to every 14 to 30 days. Ensure the soil is well draining and never let the tree sit in standing water.
Heavy clay soil
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools around the base of the tree for days after rain. The roots appear black, mushy, or smell foul when dug up.
What to do: Amend the surrounding soil with organic matter like compost to improve drainage. If the tree is young, consider transplanting it to a higher, better draining spot.
Find out what's wrong with your arizona cypress
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the roots are black and mushy, the tree is likely beyond saving. If the needles are still green but the soil is wet, you have a chance to save it by drying out the area.
Stopping it coming back
Always check soil moisture before watering. Plant your cypress in a location with excellent drainage and full sun.
Arizona cypress: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your arizona cypress and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Can I use a fungicide for root rot?
- Fungicides are rarely effective once root rot has set in. The best cure is to fix the drainage and stop the overwatering.
- How deep should I water?
- Water deeply to reach the root zone, but let the soil dry out significantly between sessions. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent, shallow sprinkles.
More problems with Arizona cypress
Back to the Arizona cypress guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.