New Italian Cypress in Arizona Heat: Overwatering and Root Rot

7 Boxed Italian Cypress Crispy and White After Planting in Kingman, AZ

Planted in hot weather, watered nightly at 7 PM. Soil moist but foliage dry, crinkly, whitening from bottom up.

Diagnosis: Three Major Errors

1. Worst planting time (extreme heat).
2. Overwatering frequency – nightly watering causes root rot/fungal issues. Italian cypress prefers hot, dry conditions.
3. No pre-planting care instructions obtained.

Correct Care

• Water in morning (not evening) to prevent fungus.
• Water deeply but infrequently: every 7–10 days in summer, every 3 weeks in cool months if no rain.
• Established plants need water only during prolonged dry spells.

Prognosis

Likely succumbed to root rot. Consult local nursery immediately for any possible rescue.