Dwarf Hinoki Cypress Tree

1. Planting: First, find an area with proper sunlight (around 4 to 6 hours per day) and well-drained soil. Then, dig your hole twice as large the root ball and just a little shallower. The top of the root flare (where the roots end and the trunk begins) should be about an inch above the surrounding soil. Hold the tree straight as you begin to backfill the site, tamping down the soil as you go. When it's completely backfilled, apply water to settle the soil and remove any air pockets.

If you're container-planting, select a pot that's twice the width of your plant's shipped container, use organic potting soil, place your tree, and water to settle the roots.

2. Watering: Water your Hinoki Cypress evenly until the soil becomes moist. Allow the soil to dry for a few days, until it feels dry to the touch about 2 inches below the surface. A slow drip from a garden hose works best as it allows the water to penetrate the soil deep down to the roots without over saturating it.

During excessive hot and dry weather, you may need to water up to three times weekly.

For container-planted Hinokis, stick your finger into the potting soil down to a depth of 2 inches and feel around for any moisture. If the soil is drying out, go ahead and water it until you see it escaping the drainage holes and then stop.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize your tree well after a year of growth using a general fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula. Feed once every spring will give it a boost.

4. Pruning: If you intend on letting your Cypress grow to its full, mature height, then very little pruning will be needed. If you plan to keep your trees from growing past a certain point or want them to stay in an ornate shape, prune more regularly.