Why is the Beloved Bald Cypress a Bad Fit in Urban Settings?

I get asked all the time about the Louisiana state tree—the bald cypress.

And don’t get me wrong. It’s a great tree.

I love bald cypress. I’ve caught more brim underneath these trees than I can count. They’re a huge part of our cultural and environmental identity here in South Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast. From home building to wooden boats and even dugout canoes, bald cypress has deep roots in our history—literally and figuratively.

But here’s the thing: while the bald cypress is a wonderful tree in nature, it’s a terrible tree for urban landscaping.

It Looks Good... At First

It’s easy to see why people like planting bald cypress in their yards or city spaces. They grow well, have a beautiful conical shape, and their soft, feathery leaves give them a light, airy appearance. Above ground, they check all the boxes for what you’d want in an ornamental tree.

But below ground, it’s a whole different story.

The Root of the Problem

Let’s talk about cypress knees—those woody protrusions that stick up out of the ground like little stumps. They pop up everywhere around mature cypress trees, and I mean everywhere.

I was at a site recently looking at a mature bald cypress growing near a driveway pad. The tree itself looked great—healthy, tall, full. But all around it, the landscape was a mess. Cypress knees were sticking up through the grass, the flower beds, right next to the sidewalk, even in the strip between the sidewalk and the street. I stepped on a few just walking around. They're hard, awkward, and let’s face it—they're tripping hazards.

Worse still? The roots had lifted the sidewalk in multiple places. One section was cracked and pushed sideways from the pressure. A big cypress root had wedged itself right underneath, causing a major lift. Near the trunk, the root flare had already started breaking up the concrete. And that’s not just an isolated case—it’s what these trees do in tight spaces.

A Hard Truth for Tree Lovers

Look, I get it. Everybody loves cypress trees. I love cypress trees. They’re iconic. They scream “Louisiana.” But urban landscapes are not the place for them.

If you want:

- Buckled sidewalks

- Cracked driveways

- Foundation damage

- Planter boxes torn apart

- And an obstacle course of cypress knees every time someone steps out of their car...

Then sure, plant a bald cypress next to your house.

But if you want a tree that plays nice with your sidewalk, your yard, and your foundation, you’re going to want to look elsewhere.