How to Prune Ornamental Cherry Trees

Ornamental cherry tree blossoms beginning to emerge in mid-spring.

Ornamental cherry trees grow in many parts of the United States and Canada and has origins from Japan.Canadiangardening.com states, "Ornamental cherries were sent as gifts of friendship by Japan to cities in North America starting as early as 1912, when 3,000 were given to Washington, D.C." The appealing structure of the cherry tree requires routine pruning to master a desired look for gardens and street sides alike.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Loppers
• Garden gloves
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Trim out branches that have broken as a result of weather or nature. It is recommended by Purdue University to begin pruning the ornamental cherry tree after blooming has occurred in late spring. Make your cut 1/4 inch above a newly formed bud, or node, to promote a new branch.

2. Cut away branches that cross each other or rub closely, causing unnecessary stress to the tree. Once again, make the cut 1/4 inch above a node.

3. Pinch out the growth shoots that appear in late spring to maintain the current size of the tree. This is a useful tool to manage trees near buildings or beneath power lines. Hold the new growth cluster, consisting of buds that sit close together, and twist and pull the cluster off the limb. Using your fingers will obtain a more natural look than the use of shears or loppers.

4. Monitor the tree for thick growth that produces weak or stringy limbs, typically found on inner branches. To balance the tree out, perform thinning cuts on the inner structure. Remove one to two limbs on each larger, parent branch throughout the center of the tree to reduce the overall limbs by 20 to 30 percent. Never remove more that 30 percent in once trimming.

5. Cut back limbs just above a node that have grown too tall for their location. This method is much like pinching, except it is used for when branches are already evident. use the loppers or shears to cut back long limbs that may interfere with power lines, roofs or windows or to keep a more pleasing appearance.

References

• Canadian Gardening: The Graceful Beauty of Ornamental Cherry Trees
• Purdue University: Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs