Instructions for Pruning a Weeping Cherry Tree
The weeping cherry tree is a graceful plant that blooms snowy white in the spring and adds character and beauty to the landscape. Weeping cherries add an element of romance, reflect artistically in the surface of pond water or help design an Oriental effect into a garden. However you use your weeping cherry tree, it will be most effective if it is properly pruned to look its best. Does this Spark an idea?
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When to Prune
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Prune a weeping cherry tree in late summer, autumn or early winter while the tree is going into, or is fully in, dormancy. Slow-moving sap will keep wounds from bleeding heavily as they can when the tree is in active growth.
How to Begin
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Look over your tree for areas that look out of balance and note any branches that are growing in an uncontrolled or rangy manner.
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Is My Cherry Tree Grafted?
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Look close to where the branching starts on the upper part of the tree stem or trunk to see if your tree has been grafted. Grafted and un-grafted weeping cherry trees will be pruned slightly differently.
Ungrafted Trees
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Allow long shoots at the head of an ungrafted weeping cherry to grow even if the long straight branches look awkward. These shoots will grow long enough to cause themselves to bend naturally, helping your tree grow bigger while continuing the weeping habit.
Grafted Trees
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Cut back all long, straight branches that grow from beneath the grafting scar if your tree is grafted. Most grafted trees will form weeping branches only from the upper grafted area, and limbs that sprout lower than the graft will likely grow straight and ruin the look of your weeping tree.
All Weeping Cherries
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Prune back all crossing, damaged or dead branches on all weeping cherry trees.
Snip long branches that droop down to touch the ground no more than 6” above the soil line or simply keep the ground clean and clear so you don’t have to mow grass in the area, allowing the branches to sweep the soil. This is more a question of what look you like than what is right or good for the cherry tree.
Avoid giving your weeping cherry tree nice neat haircuts or trimming them so they look too controlled. An attractive, natural tree shouldn’t look like a sheared shrub or manicured topiary.
Always make sure your pruning tools are clean and sharp before use.
Should Cuts Be Sealed?
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Seal wounds with sealing paint or Elmer’s glue only where borers are a problem. Cuts tend to heal better if left open to the air.
Prune Lightly Every Year
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Pruning a weeping cherry is best guided by eye. Keep examining your tree as you prune to keep a good balance and attractive appearance. Prune your tree lightly every year and the job will be much easier than if you allow problems to become overgrown over time.
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