Question
We live in the Phoenix area and We just purchases 9 Italian Cypress.  Now that we have them, how is the best way to plant them and how much water do they need and how often.  My husband just installed a dripper system for them is that a problem?

Answer
Dig the hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil and mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. This will help hold moisture around the roots.

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. The drip system will work well especially during the dry months. During the hot dry summer months I would water daily.