Fast Growth in a Cypress Oak

Growth Rate Considerations

• Using Professor Dirr's criteria, "slow to medium" growth means cypress oak, that is English oak "Fatigiata," normally grows between 12 to 24 inches per year. The figure refers to vertical growth rather than spread. Dramatic growth speed increases depend on changes that can only be achieved by plant breeding. To increase normal growth speed even slightly, a grower would have to provide rich, well drained soil, consistent moisture, and there could be no pests, diseases, pollution, root disturbance, bark damage or vibration, the latter of which trees near streets experience. Regular mulching to keep roots cool might also be needed.

Cypress Oak Characteristics

• Cypress oak is characterized by its fastigiate, or columnar habit, meaning that the branches rise at an acute angle to the sturdy, main trunk. The bark is full of ridges and furrows and is dark gray to black. The dark green leaves are 2 to 5 inches long and alternate on the stems, with pairs of rounded lobes. Elongated acorn fruits are about 1 inch long. The trees are not noted for fall color, but leaves do persist into fall, eventually turning dull brown.

Faster Growing Substitute

• Since short of genetic advances, cypress oak will not grow significantly faster, some property owners may want to find columnar trees that will reach the same heights in shorter time frames. Among likely candidates is "Bowhall" red maple (Acer rubrum "Bowhall"), hardy in USDA zone 3b through 9, a fastigiate form that is a "medium to fast" grower that gains 10 to 12 feet in five to seven years, according to Dr. Dirr. "Bowhall" ultimately reaches 40 to 60 feet tall and offers brilliant scarlet leaves in autumn.

Cypress Oak Uses

• Fastigiate trees such as cypress oak "Fatigiata" or faster growing species are useful in many different situations. As street trees they fit well in areas where planting strips between sidewalks and curbs are 4 to 6 feet wide, which is too narrow for traditional large, non-columnar shade trees. Fastigiate forms also make good screens when closely spaced and planted in long rows. Cypress oak, or English oak "Fatigiata," also makes an excellent specimen or stand-alone tree in the garden.