How to Care for Yoshino Cherry Trees

Yoshino cherry trees feature draping branches that hang down.

While some people grow large, productive fruit trees for the harvest they bring, others grow non-fruiting varieties for landscaping purposes only. Decorative flowering trees like the Yoshino cherries feature growth habits similar to their fruiting cousins, with the same bright, fragrant spring blooms. Yoshino cherries have a shorter lifespan than fruiting cherries but can grow up to 50 feet tall with the right level of care. Care for Yoshino cherry trees as you would any other cherry tree.

Things You'll Need

• Organic compost
• Shovel
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Plant Yoshino cherry trees in sites that get full sun all day. Make sure that your planting site drains quickly after any rain and provides at least 40 feet of vertical and lateral space for growing.

2. Mix organic compost into the top 2 feet of your planting site when you plant the Yoshino cherry tree. Although these trees will grow in poor soil, they require good drainage and moisture retention and do best with some nutrition. Use 6 to 12 inches of organic compost as an amendment for the top 2 feet of the planting site.

3. Water Noshino cherry trees with 3 to 4 inches of water twice a week. This tree requires plenty of moisture in its soil, and may rot in prolonged drought.

4. Give Noshino cherry trees 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring to encourage new growth and blooming. Follow manufacturer directions in regard to fertilizer quantity and application.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Prunus x yedoenis - Yoshino Cherry
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Ornamental Cherry, Plum, Apricot and Almond