Italian cypress trees are normally dependable in the southern half of Texas, but this February’s cold has killed plants over big parts of the state. Curiously, it wasn’t obvious immediately.

DEAR NEIL: I believe these are three Italian cypress trees. They were doing great until the big freeze, but gradually they have gone downhill.

These relatively young Italian cypress trees will continue to look great if their demands for sun, wind, adequate water and mite control are met. Otherwise, they soon look ragged.