Fertilizer Spike Damage to Cypress Trees in Las Vegas

Five-year-old cypress trees appear dead after August fertilizer spike application in Las Vegas heat.

Assessment & Recovery

1. Check viability: Scrape bark on upper branches—green = alive, brown = dead. Work downward until green found.
2. If alive: Deep water (1 inch via sprinkler/pan method) every 4th day until rain.
3. Prune dead wood now or wait until spring to confirm.

Future Fertilizing

Never use spikes again—they concentrate salts, burning roots. Instead: 1 lb 10-10-10 per inch trunk diameter, scattered and watered in.