One of the most sought-after trees at nurseries is the weeping cherry. The tree’s cute and lovely appearance, especially when it bursts into bloom, will enchant gardeners.
As a result of this, many gardeners have found that the tree has a short lifespan if they don’t keep an eye on it.
It is extremely difficult to transplant these trees. Even if it’s a young plant, the roots and foliage can wilt and die under the pressure.
Each weeping cherry tree has two parts, making it more difficult for gardeners to care for. During the growing season, the tree’s trunk and roots, known as the “rootstock,” can be trained into a straight trunk, which is common on roadside trees. Two good examples are the Mahaleb and Mazzard.
An additional hybrid variety is the “top-graft” or weeping portion of the plant. Pink Higan Cherry, also known as “Snow Fountains,” and the “White Weeping Cherry” are two of these varieties.
The two plants are grafted together at the top of the trunk in the nursery to create a single plant. Regular pruning of the plant’s weeping part creates an umbrella effect in the garden. Weeping cherry trees can reach heights of up to 25 feet if left unchecked.
Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree: What Is It and How Does It Grow?
It’s a common misconception that a “dwarf Cherry tree” is a separate species. However, a dwarf cherry tree does not exist. You can’t expect to grow a large variety of cherry trees unless you prune them regularly throughout the year.
Weeping cherry trees in landscaping are likely to be newly planted saplings. As the trees grow, they will be relocated by gardeners and landscapers. Depending on the tree’s age, regular pruning keeps it at a manageable 3- to 5-foot height.
Any upward-facing shoots should be cut back during the growing season. This method of pruning encourages the growth of a dense canopy.
Weeping cherry tree planting instructions are provided here.
- Young cherry trees are top-heavy for the first two seasons and must be staked to maintain their straight growth.
- Staking the trunk will help prevent the plant from collapsing under the weight of the canopy.
- Steer clear of using dirt mounds to support the plant’s base. Disease and pests are drawn to your weeping cherry trees using either of these methods. It suffocates the root ball and kills the tree if you plant too deep.
- Cherry trees should be staked for at least the first year to ensure that they have a strong root system.
Soil Types for Growing Weeping Cherry Trees
- Soils with good drainage are ideal for weeping cherries. Perlite and compost can be added to a potting mix to make it more suitable for potted plants.
- To water a weeping cherry tree, follow these steps.
- In dry climates, weeping cherry trees are not able to thrive. Watering your tree throughout the growing season will be necessary if you live in an area of the United States that experiences low rainfall.
- It takes about 80 gallons of water a week to keep a weeping cherry tree healthy. During the summer, we recommend watering two to four times per week. Root rot can develop if you don’t allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Water-stressed weeping cherry trees are doomed to failure. Add amendments that help retain moisture after watering while still allowing good root drainage if you’re planning on planting your tree in sandy ground.
Leave the tree’s roots to rest during the winter, and do not water it. During this time, the weeping cherry is able to recuperate from the stress of the growing season and produce fruit.
It’s possible that if you water and fertilize your tree now, it won’t bloom the following season if you do so later
Make a space in the pot large enough to hold the root ball after mixing the ingredients together.
Cover the base of the plant after placing the root ball in the hole.
Secure the cherry tree with a stake and then press down on the soil to eliminate any air pockets that may exist.
Weeping cherry trees prefer slightly acidic soils if you’re planting them outside. Make sure the planting site has adequate drainage. Wet feet aren’t good for weeping cherry trees. The roots of the plants will become infected if the soil around them is constantly saturated with water.
Keep an eye on how much water you’re giving the plant, especially if it’s still young.
What Is the Best Way to Fertilize a Weeping Cherry?
Early spring is a good time to start feeding your weeping cherry tree to help it grow.
At least three months should be given to the roots of newly transplanted cherry trees to adjust to their new surroundings. Feeding the plant at this time could cause a burn.
You can begin feeding your tree with acidic fertilizer once the roots have established themselves. We recommend that you use a granular-type fertilizer for your trees that is slow to release. Grass should be 6-8 inches away from the tree’s base.
You can encourage new root growth by increasing your fertilizer application range as the tree’s buds form in early spring.
During the growing season, try mulching the tree’s base. A high-quality compost should be used for the best results. Soil nutrients can be released by mulching while also preventing water loss. Mulching is an effective weed-control and pest-deterrent method of fertilization.
Pruning my Weeping Cherry Tree?
Weeping cherry trees can get out of hand if left unattended. A young weeping cherry tree can grow to over ten feet in height in just a few years, especially during the spring and summer months.
Eventually, you’ll have to deal with a 25-foot-tall monster that’s difficult to trim.
Your weeping cherry tree will benefit from pruning. Pruning your tree also gives you the opportunity to create a well-groomed appearance.
Once your weeping cherry has established itself in the garden for a few years, all of your pruning efforts will pay off in the form of a beautifully shaped tree in your backyard.
Your manicure will pay off handsomely when the tree blossoms later in the spring.
- Removing all of the water spigots and any new branches that appear to be growing upright from the base of the tree is essential.
- Make sure to remove any branches that reach the ground before they fall. Pests and diseases are more likely to infest a plant if its foliage or branches fall to the ground.
- Cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle to the plant’s trunk when doing pruning. The plant can continue to grow as a result of this pruning technique.
- Trim the tree’s limbs to keep them from interfering with one another.
The Suckers! How Do I Get ‘Em Out?
“Suckers” sprout from the base of the trunk of weeping cherry trees in the early spring. Weeping branches and foliage can’t be achieved if gardeners don’t remove suckers from the tree, as they eventually take over and prevent this effect.
You’ll notice a graft scar at the top of the rootstock below the branches in most weeping cherry trees. Unless the graft scar sprouts weeping cherries, any shoots that emerge from it will be wild cherry tree shoots. Remove each and every one of these new growths.
Pruning should begin as soon as new shoots appear, so don’t delay. It takes longer for the plant to grow sprouts if you delay pruning.
Weeping cherry tree diseases and pests include:
When weeping cherry trees are in bloom, they’re susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. More diseases can affect trees in flowerbeds than they can in pots. In spite of this, the gardener must keep a close eye on the tree throughout the year to make sure it is not contaminated.
At the very least, check your plant weekly for signs of infestation. The weeping cherry tree is vulnerable to borers, scale, spider mites, and aphids. Use your hands to remove any pests or eggs that are on the tree.
If your tree is infested with pests, you may want to consider using an organic insecticide to get rid of them. Pests are scared away by the smell of neem oil, which makes it an effective deterrent.
In addition to diseases like mildew and canker, weeping cherry trees are also prone to rot. If you live in an area of the country that experiences heavy seasonal rainfall, make sure your plant has adequate airflow around the leaves.
