How to Prune a Kwanzan Cherry
The goal when pruning a Kwanza cherry is to select branches that grow at wide angles to the main trunk of the tree. Don't over prune a Kwanzan cherry tree: It may never recover. Because they grow from a central leader, it is easy to prune them by choosing side branches that grow at wide angles to the central leader. These will form the main shape of the tree. Side branches growing off these main branches will bear fruit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Remove any dead or diseased branches, using pruning shears. Cut them off just above the point where they grow from a healthy branch.
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Choose three or four large branches that are about 3 feet from the ground. They should grow at a large angle to the main trunk, up to 90 degrees (perpendicular). Remove all other branches at this level, retaining your chosen three or four.
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Select three or four more branches that grow at a substantial angle from the main trunk, about 2 feet above the first layer of chosen branches. Remove any others growing at this level.
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Choose three or four more branches 2 feet above the second set, if the tree is large enough. Continue in this manner until you have as many levels as needed, based on the size of the top of the tree.
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Prune smaller side branches coming off your chosen main branches. Keep a selection of side branches that are evenly spaced along each main branch and remove all other side branches. This will open up the tree and allow air and light to get to all the remaining parts of the tree, thus increasing the amount of cherries it produces.
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Cut the remaining side branches to a uniform length throughout the tree. These are the branches that will bear fruit, so don't prune them back too far. A good rule of thumb is to prune off no more than one-third of their length.
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Tips & Warnings
Prune Kwanza cherry trees in late winter or early spring.
