How to Care for a Weeping Japanese Cherry Tree
Weeping cherries can add dramatic impact to many landscapes. Japanese weeping cherries can grow as high as 25 feet for some varieties, or be limited to 6 to 9 feet for some dwarf varieties. Japanese weeping cherries need to be pruned to prevent the branches from touching the ground. Most varieties do well with regular fertilization during the growing season. Caring for your Japanese weeping cherry, however, is not difficult. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Water your Japanese cherry tree every week or two during the growing season, or whenever the soil starts to feel dry. Japanese maples don't require water in the winter. However, give your tree a deep watering before the first expected frost. Water in the soil helps protect the roots over the winter.
-
2
Fertilize your Japanese cherry with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. For synthetic fertilizers, follow the manufacturer's instructions. For organic fertilization, add an inch of compost or composted manure once every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Don't fertilize during the winter when the tree is dormant.
-
-
3
Prune deadwood from your tree at any time of year with sharp pruning shears. Deadwood uses growth resources that are better put to flowering, green, and sprout growth in your tree.
-
4
Prune your tree's branches before they start to come into contact with the ground. One way to prevent this is to prune the weeping branches to about 2/3 of the height of the tree in the winter when the tree is dormant. For example, if your tree is 6 feet tall, prune the branches to 2 feet above the ground. For 12-foot trees, prune the branches to around 4 feet above the ground. This creates both a balanced look and allows for adequate growth space over the growing season.
-
1
