How to revive Cupressus damaged by rats?

r_o_b_w

Hi there, a couple of months ago two of my  plants unfortunately got damaged by some rats who decided to use the branches in one of their nests. One of the plants in particular got stripped almost completely of its lower branches (see photos). The tops didn’t get damaged and both plants appear to be alive and growing still, however, given the type of tree I’m concerned that the damage areas will not regenerate. They are the Cupressus - Swane’s Golden and they are probably around 70-80cm height (only young). Any tips to help them grown back? 

JacobZ

Hi @r_o_b_w,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Since these conifers are still quite small, they should have a better chance of adapting and recovering than more mature specimens. Younger plants tend to be more vigorous and resilient, especially if they’re otherwise healthy and still producing new growth, which is a great sign.

Start by carefully removing any dead or clearly damaged branches using clean, sharp secateurs. Avoid cutting into the main trunk or older wood that doesn’t have any green foliage, as conifers don’t regrow from bare, woody stems.

To give them the best shot at recovery, apply an all-purpose, slow-release fertiliser such as this Scotts Osmocote All Purpose Controlled Release Fertiliser. This will help support root development and steady foliage growth. It will benefit from the fertiliser, but be careful not to over-fertilise at this stage, as young plants can be sensitive to excess nitrogen. 

If you start seeing new green tips, you can lightly prune them during the growing season to encourage bushier, more balanced growth. Since the trees are still forming their shape, selective tip pruning can help redirect energy and fill in sparse areas, but only prune where there is still green, healthy growth. Never cut back into wood that’s gone brown or hardened, as they don’t typically regenerate from old wood.

I would also consider protecting them from further rat attacks using something like this Brunnings Bamboo Tree Guard.

Allow me to tag our knowledgeable gardeners @Noelle, @mich1972 and @mashthyme to see if they have any advice to offer.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob