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Broken Top on Young Italian Cypress: Will It Regrow?

Kids broke the top of a young Italian cypress. Owner asked if a new leader would form or if the tree would be stunted.

The expert confirmed a side branch near the top will become the new leader. A slight crook may remain but becomes less noticeable over time. Prune the broken stub cleanly, water during dry spells, and fertilize after one year (10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch trunk diameter).

Recovery Steps

Clean prune the break.
Side branch assumes dominance.
Minor crook fades with time.
Fertilize after establishment.

Conifers: Cypress Canker on Italian Cypress: Diagnosis and Management; Italian Cypress Turning Yellow: Causes and Rescue Steps; Cypress Canker on Italian Cypress: Identification and Management; Italian Cypress Inner Needle Drop: Normal Aging; Italian Cypress Transplant Shock: Overwatering Diagnosis; Newly Planted Italian Cypress with Drooping Tops: Normal Spring Growth; Fixing Poor Drainage for a Newly Planted Blue Italian Cypress in Georgia; Golf Cart Damage to Leyland Cypress: Will Survive, Spray for Borers; Italian Cypress Canker: Seiridium, No Cure, Manage Stress; Italian Cypress in Idaho: Hardiness Zone Mismatch

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