Provide an acid soil and protection from the drying effect of winter winds. Foliage on plants in a windy situation in winter often turn brown, especially in the northern half of its hardiness range. Locate the tree so air circulation is good, particularly during summer to help prevent leaf blight. Trees perform best with afternoon shade in southern part of its range – morning sun helps keep foliage dry which theoretically reduces the incidence of foliage disease. Many cultivars are available varying in growth habit and ability to hold green foliage color in the winter. There are so many cultivars one has to wonder why we need more. I (Dr. Gilman) have seen plants in zone 8B perform fairly well.

Cryptomeria is tolerant of compacted soil and grows nicely in urban landscapes such as parking lots. It makes a wonderful accent, screen, or border tree. It may grow too large for most residential landscapes. They have been used as street trees planted 10 feet back from the street in residential areas. One reference says pollen causes severe allergy problems, especially when many trees are planted in the same location. Another reference says pollen causes no allergies.

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