How to Prune a Kwanzan Cherry Tree
The Kwanzan cherry is a flowering cherry tree suitable for container gardening, bonsai and landscape uses. The tree is native to Asia and is one of the trees on display at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. Kwanzan cherry trees do not bear fruit, so their prime use is ornamental. These trees can reach a height of 30 to 40 feet and require full sun. Kwanzan cherry trees can be grown in hardiness zones 5 to 9. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lopping shears
- Garden gloves (optional)
- Disinfectant spray
- Small pruning shears
Instructions
-
-
1
Look over the branches of your Kwanzan cherry tree and locate any that are dead, diseased or damaged. Damaged or diseased branches may have discoloration or fungus on the bark or an open wound.
-
2
Cut off dead, diseased or damaged branches at their intersection with the main branch or trunk. Take care not to cut into the trunk when removing the dead or damaged wood. Disinfect your pruning tools afterward to avoid carrying bacteria to the healthy parts of the tree.
-
-
3
Remove low growing branches that interfere with movement underneath the tree. Also prune away downward growing branches.
-
4
Cut off interior branches that rub up against other branches. Also thin out the interior canopy to allow more light and air to pass through. Improved air circulation will help ward off disease and fungus that might infect your tree.
-
5
Trim off branches that grow too close to the central trunk. Kwanzan cherry trees perform best when they have one main branch that grows upright, referred to as a central leader. If new shoots develop alongside or near the central leader, remove them with small pruning shears.
-
6
Trim the tips of the wood to encourage new growth, which means more blossoms. Kwanzan cherries prefer to blossom on new wood rather than old.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wait until your Kwanzan cherry blossoms have dropped for the season and prune your tree afterward, in early summer.
