Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum 'Skyward'

Nature Hills Nursery

Narrow Columnar Form Reaches 50 Feet Tall in Just 20 Feet Wide - Perfect for Small Spaces
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 18-20 ft Tall
Deer Resistant, Pollution Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds

$111⁶⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Full sun is essential for this cultivar to maintain its tight, columnar form. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight; less light leads to thin foliage and a less structured "Skyward" silhouette.
Soil: This tree thrives in moist, acidic soils but is famously adaptable to heavy clay. If your soil is sandy and dries out quickly, mix in organic compost at planting to help hold onto moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, provide ten gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter every week to establish a deep root system. Once mature, this cypress is surprisingly drought-tolerant, though consistent moisture prevents the needle tip browning that occurs during extreme heat. Think of regular watering as insurance for those vibrant green needles; skipping it during a dry spell can cause the tree to shed its interior foliage prematurely.

Pruning Tips

Since this tree naturally grows in a narrow, upright habit, it rarely needs a haircut. If you must prune to remove a stray branch, do so in late winter while the tree is dormant. Because it grows on new wood, winter pruning allows the tree to direct all its spring energy into fresh, symmetry-correcting growth without interrupting the seasonal sap flow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new buds begin to swell. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this encourages soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth is easily damaged by cold, which can lead to unsightly winter kill on the branch tips.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Flowering, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	18-20 ft
Width	5-6 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Taxodium distichum 'Skyward'
Species	distichum
Cultivar	Skyward
Class	Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Straight and Narrow Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress

Green Soft to the Touch Foliage
Fantastic Coppery Fall Color
Narrow Growth Habit
Great for Small Gardens
Four-Season Interest
Columnar Dwarf Deciduous Conifer

If you've ever run your hands across a Bald Cypress, you know that while their foliage looks sharp and prickly, it's actually quite soft. Almost feather-like! Smaller yards can now benefit from trees like Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress Tree (Taxodium distichum 'Skyward') making tall waves in the landscape. The lush green, ferny leaves of this unique deciduous conifer look great all growing season then put on a show for the fall!

Bald Cypress are interesting and unique trees, looking like evergreens but they lose their foliage in the winter like other deciduous trees. Known as deciduous conifers, these have soft, rich-green foliage that looks like fine, almost feathery needles that turn coppery tones come fall. Fantastic wildlife trees, the green round cones are ornamental and feed a wide range of wildlife while the branches provide nesting for songbirds.

Once the showy foliage drops you'll get to enjoy the look that the textured bronzy bark adds to the winter landscape. Delicate branches add elegance and character. Growing throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 9, Lindsey's Skyward™ can grow 18-20 feet tall and only spread 5-6 feet wide.

How to Use Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress In The Landscape

Try using this specimen as a privacy screen, or you can plant two, one on either side of your garden path or front walkway. The dense narrow spire looks amazing in rows and loose hedges while the beautifully tiered upward-facing branches work as an impressive specimen planting.

Skinny growth habit means it's perfect for cottage gardens and places where there simply isn't enough room for a full-size tree. You can also plant it as an accent in your perennial garden bed to add a pop of texture. Groves and groupings of these fine-textured trees provide lush shade and shelter for birds and wildlife, or just your favorite reading chair!

Not taking up too much space in the landscape nor having an aggressive root system, Lindsey's Skyward™ plays well with other plants and won't ruin driveways or sidewalks. Also, the fibrous root system has no surface roots or knees like the larger cousins. But they will handle occasional standing water, being planted around water features, ponds, or lakes, and in Rain Gardens!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Plant in full sun where these dwarf Bald Cypress can take in the rays all day long. Don't worry though, if all you have is part shade, that will do just fine. Happiest in well-drained soil but aren't too picky if they get a little wet here and there. They are also quite drought-tolerant once established as well. Bald Cypress are also tolerant of pollution and urban conditions.

Set up these long-lived trees for life by planting them with the symbiotic support of Nature Hills Root Booster and a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the roots. Prune if needed in the very early spring.

Full Sun to Part Shade
Adaptable to Most Soil
Average to Moist Soils & Drought Tolerant Once Established
Prune Early Spring
Easy to Maintain!

Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress may seem like a prickly old tree on the outside but once you get to know it - You'll see it's as soft as a teddy bear! Order one of your own to complete your garden projects today at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Bald Cypress trees naturally thrive in full sun conditions and perform best with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. While Lindsey's Skyward™ can tolerate partial shade, you'll get the most vibrant fall color and densest growth in full sun locations.

What type of soil conditions does this bald cypress prefer?

Bald cypress trees are remarkably adaptable to both wet and dry soil conditions, thriving in everything from swampy areas to well-drained garden soil. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH but aren't particularly fussy about soil type. Plant in full sun for best growth and browse quality specimens available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water my newly planted Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress?

Water newly planted Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. These adaptable trees establish quickly in zones 5-9 but need consistent moisture initially. Check soil 2 inches down and water when dry.

Does Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress produce flowers or cones?

Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress produces green round cones that are both ornamental and provide food for wildlife. These cones add visual interest to the tree while supporting birds and other animals. Plant yours where you can enjoy watching the wildlife it attracts.

How much space should I leave between this cypress and other plants?

Space plants 3-4 feet from this narrow cypress since it only spreads 5-6 feet wide at maturity. The columnar habit makes it perfect for tight spots where full-size trees won't fit. Plant multiples 6-8 feet apart for privacy screens or hedge effects. Shop Nature Hills for this space-saving specimen.

Does it require winter protection?

Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress is hardy in zones 5-9 and doesn't need winter protection once established. As a deciduous conifer, it naturally drops its foliage in fall and goes dormant. Mulch around young trees the first winter to help roots establish.

What size container will my tree arrive in and how is it shipped?

Trees typically arrive in 3-gallon containers or larger depending on size and availability. Shipping occurs via ground freight on a pallet to protect the root system during transit. Check your specific order confirmation for container size details and expected delivery timeframe.

Is this variety susceptible to any common diseases or pest problems?

Bald Cypress trees are generally quite resilient with few serious pest or disease issues. They may occasionally encounter bagworms or spider mites in stressful conditions, but these are easily managed. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent any fungal issues.

Lindsey's Skyward™ Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum 'Skyward'