Bald Cypress Has Unusual Number Of Seed Balls On Branches

Question From: Charlestown, Indiana, United States
Q: I have a beautiful Bald Cypress try that I planted about 11 years ago. It's about 30' tall now. This year it seems to have an excessive # of "balls" on the branches. It's had these type balls in the past, but Never this many. Is there a problem? If so, is there anything i can do? I sure would hate to lose this beauty. Thank

A: Those little balls are seeds. The amounts the tree produces will vary from year to year. A very large number may indicate the tree is in stress. We have had two severe winters that followed a drought. If it were my tree I would get an onsite inspection from a certified arborist. To find a professional in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy