Cypress, Why You Need One in Your Yard

Have you ever found a scent that you just absolutely love? One that takes you to a different place or brings your shoulders at ease after a long day. Maybe that scent is lavender or lemongrass, which are all classics mind you, but if you’ve never smelled cypress, it’s time.

Cypress brings a woodsy, but sweet smell to the garden. We love it so much; we even have it as an essential oil in our home! What may not be well known are the health benefits from Cypress trees. One of our favorite books, The Nature Fix by Florence Williams, shares scientific studies and research done on how nature can heal the human body. (If you’ve never read it, it’s certainly one for any gardener’s library! Order it here on Amazon) Florence shares about the time in which she visited an official healing forest in South Korea. This forest is comprised of mainly cypress trees. Research showed that the trees assist with lowering blood pressure and calming anxiety and stress. Let’s face it, in today’s society we certainly need more of that. Unfortunately, the United States hasn’t quite caught on to healing forests as much as other countries, but that still doesn’t mean you can’t create your own mini healing forest.

Plant a few in your front yard, where you will be able to walk past them every day. Make a new habit by stopping and taking a few deep breaths by your cypress. This will help release the stress of the day and you can walk in refreshed to your family or pets. Instead of using a fence for privacy, create a wall of cypress. When the wind blows, you’ll be emersed in the most beautiful smell. Whether it’s a privacy hedge, or a focal point in the garden, everyone should have a Cypress on their property for not only their beauty, but their healing qualities as well.

Facts on Cypress:

• There are many different kinds of Cypress, from Arizona, to Leyland, to Italian to Bald.
• Cypress are evergreens, meaning they will never drop their leaves
• Arizona Cypress can grow up to 40-50 feet and 15-20 feet wide, usually growing 1-2 ft. per year.
• The Bald Cypress is one of the only Cypress that can withstand the heat south of zone 9B.
• They provide food to birds and other wildlife
• Birds need tight growing trees to protect themselves and their nests from predator birds. Cypress trees make the perfect home for our winged friends.

Want to learn more about the South Korea Healing Gardens?

Visit this article to by Florence Williams to learn more!

Want to add The Nature Fix by Florence Williams to your home gardener library? Purchase it here.