
Images Depict Mature Plants
Blue Ice Cypress – Fast-Growing Silvery-Blue Evergreen Privacy Tree
A striking blue evergreen for year-round color.
The Blue Ice Cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra ‘Blue Ice’), also known as the Arizona Blue Ice Cypress, is prized for its silvery-blue foliage and fast-growing nature. This hardy evergreen delivers four-season beauty and an instant touch of cool color to any landscape. Whether you’re creating a privacy hedge, windbreak, or dramatic focal point, this tree provides year-round elegance.
Fast-growing and low-maintenance.
Blue Ice Cypress is renowned for its rapid growth, reaching up to 2–3 feet per year, making it one of the best fast-growing privacy trees available. Once established, it forms a dense, upright screen that blocks wind and noise while providing a brilliant blue backdrop. Its low-maintenance habit and natural resistance to pests and deer make it an ideal choice for busy homeowners seeking a carefree evergreen solution.
Drought-tolerant and hardy.
Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9, the Blue Ice Cypress thrives in full sun and tolerates poor, dry soils once established. Its drought-tolerant, cold-hardy nature allows it to maintain its striking blue color even in harsh weather. Unlike more common privacy trees, this Arizona Cypress brings unique silvery foliage that sets it apart in both residential and commercial landscapes.
A long-lasting privacy investment.
Whether planted as a living fence, property border, or single specimen tree, Blue Ice Cypress adds height, color, and year-round structure to your yard. Its combination of fast growth, drought tolerance, and vibrant blue foliage ensures it will be a standout feature for decades, delivering both beauty and reliable privacy with minimal effort.

Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
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Mature Height: | 25 to 30 Feet |
Mature Width: | 12 to 15 Feet |
Sunlight: | Full sun |
Foliage Color: | Blue-gray |
Growth Form: | Upright pyramidal |
Soil: | Very tolerant of most soil types and salt spray |
How to Care for Blue Ice Cypress
Before you buy a Blue Ice Cypress, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How do I plant Blue Ice Cypress for a privacy screen or windbreak?
Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and plant trees 6–10 feet apart to create a dense evergreen hedge. Place each tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill halfway, water thoroughly to settle, then finish filling and water again. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. For best establishment, plant in spring or early fall, allowing roots to settle before extreme heat or cold.
How often should I water Blue Ice Cypress after planting?
During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice per week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. This encourages strong root development and supports the tree’s fast 2–3 foot annual growth. Once established, Blue Ice Cypress is highly drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during extended dry spells. A consistent mulch layer helps conserve soil moisture and protect the roots.
When and how should I fertilize Blue Ice Cypress?
Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and steady growth. Spread fertilizer evenly around the drip line and water well to move nutrients into the soil. A single annual feeding is typically sufficient to maintain the tree’s vibrant silvery-blue color and robust growth throughout the season.

How and When Should I Prune My Blue Ice Cypress Trees?
Do Blue Ice Cypress trees require pruning to maintain their shape? Blue Ice Cypress naturally forms a full, symmetrical pyramid and needs little pruning. In late winter or early spring, remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep the tree healthy and attractive. Avoid heavy trimming into old wood, as this can slow new growth. With minimal maintenance, this fast-growing blue evergreen will keep its elegant form for years.