I'm planning on working on an Italian cypress. I'm thinking about trimming as much as 30-50% of its height. An employee at the nursery where I bought the tree said it should be ok. But I do want other opinions and advice as well.

Perhaps post also a picture, so we also know what your working with. After uploading press the insert button.

Rorror wrote:

Perhaps post also a picture, so we also know what your working with. After uploading press the insert button.

It’s considered to be a dwarf Italian cypress and slow growing.

If cut at the right time of the year and properly taken care of, I see no reason to fail a 50% cut. But trees are not digital and may not read on internet forums. Its your tree, only cut if you are willing to take the risk.

Tropfrog wrote:

If cut at the right time of the year and properly taken care of, I see no reason to fail a 50% cut. But trees are not digital and may not read on internet forums. Its your tree, only cut if you are willing to take the risk.

Right time of the year? As in the winter? It's very hot here in California this summer.

There is a saying in the US, attributed to a Swedish carpenter, "Measure twice, cut once".

In bonsai terms, what that means is research a whole lot before cutting. There are many sources of bonsai information available on the web, including the How-To section of the Empire. Before cutting, know everything you can find. You probably won't research a lot in less than three or four months, but one answer you will get is when to do major pruning. Hint: it will probably be January or so in your area, but read up first.

Also, join a bonsai club close to you where they know the climate real well.

If within your plan the cut down is needed, cut down. This is a young plant and should not have any concerns with your action.

leatherback wrote:

If within your plan the cut down is needed, cut down. This is a young plant and should not have any concerns with your action.

to add to what leatherback said be sure to cut to a place where you have a new leader that can easily become the new top... especially at this point. Have a look at how cut backs are done... also remember.. no green = dead conifer.. with a few exceptions.