Italian Cypress in Central Florida: Spider Mites + Water Stress = Top Dieback

Diagnosis

2 of 4 trees (8 ft, 3 months in) have brown tops. Full sun, hot. Likely spider mites (thrive on water-stressed cypress in heat) + insufficient deep watering.

Mite Control

• Mite-specific pesticide (not insecticide)—ask garden center.
• Or: strong hose blast weekly.
• Or: nightly foliage wetting 7–10 days (high humidity kills mites).

Watering Schedule

• Summer: deep soak every 7–10 days.
• Cooler months (no rain): every 3 weeks.

Italian cypress is not drought-tolerant—deep, infrequent water is essential.