Popular Types of Cypress Trees
Cypress trees, members of the Cupressaceae family, are a popular group of evergreen trees known for their uniquely-shaped long and skinny leaves. There are many distinct varieties of cypress trees that can be found in a wide range of climates.
Leyland Cypress
The Leyland cypress is one of the most popular privacy trees in the United States and is the largest member of the cypress family. These drought resistant trees grow in a symmetrical pyramid shape and can reach up to 20-foot wide and 70-foot tall. This fast-growing and dense cypress grows between three and four feet per year, ensuring that you can enjoy your privacy sooner rather than later.
Italian Cypress
While the Leyland cypress is a great privacy tree, the Italian cypress has become known for its elegant, architectural shape. Unlike most pyramid-shaped cypress trees, it has a very narrow base and grows virtually straight up, creating a stunning column-like appearance. The trees are often used to frame front doors, hide drain pipes and add dramatic visual interest to the perimeter of a home. They are also drought resistant and very versatile, thanks to their ability to thrive in large potting containers, as well.
Blue Sapphire Cypress
If you love cypress trees, but live in a pretty harsh environment, then look no further than the blue sapphire cypress, also known as the Arizona cypress, blue cypress and drought-free evergreen. This tough tree stands up to droughts better than any other evergreen and can handle extreme weather conditions that would kill or severely damage most other trees. The blue-green tree can also grow in a wide variety of soils and climates, and requires no maintenance in order to preserve its sloping, pyramid shape. The blue sapphire's dense leaves make it a popular choice for privacy screens and land dividers, but it also holds its own as an accent tree, thanks to its unique color.
