Tapering a Bald Cypress

Hey Everyone-

Last fall I planted two 8' cypress I got on close-out from Lowe's. This spring I cut both to begin the tapering process. One I dug up, trimmed roots, and placed in bonsai soil in a non-draining container. The other I left in the ground just to experiment. The one I transplanted is doing nothing and what green I had has died.

The one I left in the ground is doing terrific and I've already identified my 2nd year cut location based on the size of the emerging branches. Here's my question-

Am I getting myself (and my tree) in trouble by leaving in the ground like this? If it's not a problem, how long can I leave it in the ground before harvesting?

Thanks,
Tony

You should be okay, they don't seem to be that hard to collect from the wild. You might have more root trouble if it's growing in relatively dry soil. The one I collected looked to be 14 years old by the ring count.

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce