Konnichi wa / Great Outdoors
The Beautiful Weeping Cherry Tree
Introduction
The weeping cherry tree is one of the most popular garden trees in North America. It's a beautiful, fast growing shade tree that will grow to be around 30 feet tall with an average spread of 20-30 feet. The weeping cherry tree has a graceful shape and is very tolerant of difficult conditions. Like its name suggests, the weeping cherry tree can even tolerate wet soil!
Watch this video for an up close view of the weeping cherry tree!
What is a weeping cherry tree?
A weeping cherry tree (prunus subhirtella pendula) is not a specific type of tree, but rather the style in which it grows. There are several types of trees that are called “weeping” because they have graceful branches and trunks that droop downward naturally and look like weeping branches. A few examples include: Japanese umbrella pine, blue Atlas cedar, Snow Fountains, Pink Snow Showers, Yoshino Cherry Tree, and Chinese fringe flower pear. Weeping trees can be grown from seeds when planted outside or purchased as young saplings to transplant into containers indoors within climate-controlled areas like greenhouses or living rooms. They only grow about thirty feet tall outdoors so planters must allow for sufficient space around them to provide ample sunlight exposure above their canopy line as well as at least three feet below the trunk base.
The Japanese style of weeping cherry tree has the most iconic appearance, easily recognized by its delicate arching branches that form a dome-like weeping shape or weeping form. This classic design is further accentuated in autumn when its small blossoms erupt into vibrant pink or white flowers above the canopy line and drooping brown seed pods below. The long green leaves tend to change colors as well, usually toward yellow hues before they fall off for winter hibernation but sometimes remain bright even until springtime if given enough sunlight exposure throughout warmer months.
The Japanese weeping cherry tree is best suited for planting outdoors and can live in a wide range of soils. However, it still requires ample sunlight exposure as well as regular watering during summer months to keep the soil moist at least six inches below its trunk base. It also needs an annual dose of fertilizer after new leaves emerge and again following blossoming time.
Weeping trees are generally low maintenance but planter beware—they do have one major downside that you will want to avoid if possible: their roots grow very deep so they require lots of space around them, making this type unfriendly for sidewalk or porch plantings where small children might play close by while unaware of the potential dangers underneath or overhead like falling branches on unsuspecting heads! They should not be planted where children can access or near homes with pets that might be curious about this new tree and decide to explore its canopy.
Other types of weeping trees do not have these potential safety concerns, however one must consider the length of their lifespan before planting them as well as how often they require pruning to keep them healthy looking. For example, a blue Atlas cedar is ideal for colder climates while Chinese fringe flower pear needs warmer weather conditions like those found in southern areas like Florida and Texas because it will only grow between five to ten feet tall outside due to cooler temperatures throughout most of the year versus other varieties which can grow up to twice that size! A Japanese umbrella pine does fine anywhere within U.S states that don’t experience harsh winters but requires more care because it is a slow grower and can live up to 50 years.
Ornamental cherry trees are ideal for adding elegance outdoors without obstructing views in any direction, especially when planted along walkways or near windows where people might be able to enjoy their beauty indoors as well! They only require routine maintenance like pruning dead branches regularly, keeping the canopy free of fallen leaves around fall time each year by raking them off with a leaf rake, and removing seed pods that form underneath (the dried flowers may remain if desired). Weeping cherry tree bark also darkens over time so you will want to have your tree periodically inspected for damage caused by cold weather conditions during winter months which could lead to rotting if left untreated.
Ornamental weeping cherry trees have great aesthetic appeal because their light branching structure allows them to grow without major obstructions, making them perfect for planting along walkways and driveways where people might want to be able to appreciate their beauty from a short distance away. They also add color in autumn when leaves change colors before they fall off the tree naturally for winter sleep without any need of pruning like other trees which have dead foliage that must be removed so as not to pose safety issues with falling branches or possible damage caused by heavy winds throughout cold months.
While weeping cherry trees are more delicate compared to other types of flowering cherries such as Japanese mountain cherries, Yoshino blossoms can grow up 25 feet tall while alike but do require annual pruning following blooming season. This is because new shoots tend to appear on one side only rather than evenly along the entire tree which can cause it to become unbalanced, especially when branches begin to grow out of proper positions.
Weeping Cherry Tree Bark Darkens Over Time
Weeping cherry tree bark darkens with age and exposure to sunlight which is normal so you should not worry if your new plant's trunk or branches appear lighter in color than what is expected for mature specimens; however it does mean that over time this will become more apparent as dead branches fall off during winter months before new growth appears each springtime. The good news about this unique feature of these ornamental flowering cherries? Their brownish-gray mottled appearance when viewed up close makes them easy to distinguish against other types of trees that might have a smoother trunk which can sometimes be mistaken for smaller plants or bushes. This is one reason that weeping cherries are often planted along property lines where they become more noticeable to neighbors and passersby, especially when the trees' branches produce their beautiful pink blossoms in springtime!
Weeping Cherry Tree Flowers
Weeping cherry tree flowers typically bloom in early April before leaves appear but this varies depending on climate conditions as well as weather patterns throughout specific growing seasons; however most varieties of these ornamental flowering cherries begin blooming around mid-April while some may not start until May due to warmer temperatures needed for buds to open up fully. Upon opening, each flower lasts about two weeks before falling off naturally so expect only brief periods during late March and early April where branches may be bare of any blossoms. If you are looking for a flowering tree to plant in your garden that has pink blooms, look no further than weeping cherry trees which produce beautiful colors throughout the year but especially during springtime when their delicate flowers open up before giving way to green foliage with vibrant shades of red or orange on leaves later in autumn which provide nice color contrast against darker bark.
Weeping Cherry Tree Leaves
Weeping cherry tree leaves typically change from deep summer greens into brilliant shades of yellow and orange by late fall; however this can vary depending on climate conditions as well as weather patterns throughout specific growing seasons so do not expect all varieties to follow suit even they come from the same type of weeping tree! Weeping cherry trees also tend to create unique patterns on their leaves that are not found in many other types of ornamental flowering cherries so keep this in mind when choosing a new plant for your landscape. These uniquely patterned foliage features will likely become more noticeable as the season progresses and new growth appears but only if you have an existing weeping specimen growing nearby or one which is similar enough genetically that it is easy for people to notice these details from afar.
Weeping Cherry Tree Pests
There are several pests associated with weeping cherry tree care such as aphids, tent caterpillars, leafminers, borers, and Japanese beetles; however most can be managed by using chemical pesticides or insecticidal soap sprays applied according to label directions because they can be harmful to both plants and people if used incorrectly. You might also have luck with using an insecticidal soap spray made specifically for Japanese beetles as this is a common pest which frequently damages weeping cherries during the summer months in particular when these insects are most active; however you must remember that any chemical pesticide or insecticide should never be applied directly to blooming trees because they will kill pollinating bees too!
Weeping Cherry Tree Problems
Unfortunately there are several problems associated with proper weeping cherry tree care including girdling roots, powdery mildew, leaf scorch, brown rot, black knot disease (fungal), scale insects such as oystershell scales and lecanium scales; but usually all of these issues can be managed with proper care and the use of fungicides applied according to label directions or insecticidal sprays which are safe for pollinators if you see signs of disease.
Weeping Cherry Tree Pruning
Weeping cherry trees require very little pruning but this can vary depending on your local climate conditions, age of plant, overall health status and even location within your landscape; however diseased branches and dead wood should always be removed in order to prevent infections from entering the tree's vascular system during warmer weather when these types of ornamental flowering cherries tend to become more vulnerable. You might also want to check smaller specimens regularly for girdling roots which typically appear as a band at some point around the trunk although not all varieties produce such issues so do not be surprised if you do not see this in your weeping cherry tree care routine.
Weeping Cherry Tree Winter Care
There are several winter care tips and tricks which can prolong the life of a weeping cherry tree such as pruning back damaged branches during autumn months, applying mulch around plant base after leaves have fallen to help insulate roots from cold temperatures plus freezing winds which often occur when snow begins blanketing landscapes; but also remember to remove all decorative items that were originally placed on top of soil before covering up these plants with straw or pine needles including holiday lights too! If you live in an area where there is heavy precipitation during fall season (e.g., rainfall) then it might be best for people who know how to properly winterize weeping cherry trees at home to simply bring their ornamental flowering cherries indoors because too much moisture can trigger root rot as well.
Weeping Cherry Tree Propagation
There are a few propagation methods which work for weeping cherries but the easiest way to do this is by taking cuttings from your existing plant during spring or autumn months when growth rates tend to be faster plus weather conditions are optimal; however you must remember that these types of flowering plants will not grow back if they get damaged so take care when making cuts! You might also want new gardeners who have never propagated a weeping cherry tree before in any type of environment (e.g., container, inside house, outdoors) try rooting softwood cuttings in a glass of water until new roots have formed or hardwood cuttings are transferred into the ground after they begin growing.
Weeping Cherry Tree Diseases
Although weeping cherries are generally quite sturdy plants, there might be some issues which you need to know about if you want your cherished ornamental trees to stay alive and healthy throughout the seasons; but before we get into what types of diseases can affect these lovely flowering trees, it is important for our readers understand that certain insects like scales as well as fungal infections (e.g., anthracnose) could also target weeping cherry trees so please take a few minutes to read through this entire blog post in order not damage your own prized specimens! As mentioned earlier, oystershell scale and lecanium scale can both cause serious problems such as leaf loss or even branch dieback in addition to creating ugly bumps on leaves and stems; however if you see any signs of these scale insects, it might be best to prune out severely infested branches during autumn months (e.g., late summer) in order for weeping cherry tree care professionals or yourself to examine them more closely before applying an insecticidal soap spray which is safe for pollinators afterwards.
Weeping Cherry Tree Insects
It would also be important to know a few things about the most common types of insects which can damage your prized ornamental trees as there are definitely some critters that may not cause serious issues but they still look pretty nasty! For instance, bagworms tend to create cases around themselves by using bits of plant material plus other natural items found within their environment like stones or shells; however these insects will not kill your weeping cherries unless there are a ton of them on one tree or they can easily be removed by hand.
How to care for a weeping cherry tree
The weeping cherry tree is a popular and beautiful ornamental plant that adds visual interest to any garden. This article will show you how to take care of your new addition by providing tips on planting, watering and pruning. There are many different species of the weeping cherry tree but there are some basic instructions for all types that apply in almost every situation.
Watering
As with most plants, weeping cherry trees need to be watered daily when first planted. After the tree has been established you can reduce their watering frequency to every other day or so in areas that do not receive a lot of water. The depth and duration of each watering will depend on your local climate but typical recommendations are about one inch per week during the growing season (April-October). You should decrease this amount by half every month as winter approaches. During dormancy it is best to withhold any additional water from October through February if possible since this reduces potential damage caused by late frosts and freezes.
Pruning
It takes time for new branches to grow after planting but eventually they become too heavy for thin, weak stems which can lead to damage. If your tree is not growing in the direction you would like, it may be time for some pruning! Lightly trim back branches by about half their length and always cut at a 45 degree angle directly above an outward facing bud or leaf node to avert any future complications from damaged wood.
Regular pruning of weeping cherry trees during dormancy reduces potential damage caused by late frosts and freezes.
Planting
The best planting time of year is late spring but this can vary depending on where you live so make sure to check with local garden centers before taking action. It is important that your soil drains well since they won't tolerate standing water or soggy conditions for long. You should also pick a place that is a sunny location with partial shade that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day but can handle some shade in the afternoon.
Weepy cherry trees grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, but have a preference for Zones 5 through 8. The best time to plant weeping cherries trees is during dormancy as it reduces potential damage caused by late frosts and freezes. Prune new branches lightly, never cutting into old wood since these are shallow rooted plants which means they won't tolerate standing water or soggy conditions for long. Planting information varies depending on where you live so make sure to check with local garden centers before taking action. You should also pick a place that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day but can handle some shade in the afternoon.
FAQs
When to plant a weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherry trees should be planted in spring when the soil is workable. It typically takes about two weeks for a weeping cherry tree to become established after planting, so wait until this time has passed before expecting an abundant harvest of flowers and fruit. Weeping cherry trees are best suited to climate zones four through eight as they cannot withstand frost or freezes like other varieties of flowering cherries can endure.
Planting multiple weeping cherries together will provide more consistent flowering throughout the year because one tree may not flower profusely while another does at the same time; pollinating insects would have less distance to travel between them. If you plant several new ones each season it won’t be long your sidewalk garden is brimming with beautiful cherry blossoms every spring.
What are some interesting facts about weeping cherries?
Weeping cherry trees have been around for centuries and were likely cultivated in China or Japan where they still grow wild today. They were introduced to the United States by way of New York botanist, A.J Downing, who received seeds from Japanese immigrants living there at the time; he planted them on his estate gardens which eventually became a popular tourist attraction after publication of photos depicting their beauty in 1847. Since then many varieties have been developed including: double-flowered weeping types with no branches called “weeping pears” (Pyrus salicifolia), purple leaved cultivars that pink flowers among other types.
Do I need to fertilize my weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherries require annual fertilizer applications in late winter and early spring, but do not over fertilize since this can cause roots to burn which reduces flowering the next season; slow-release granules are preferred for smaller trees like these because they release nutrients slowly as the soil warms up allowing their uptake by plant’s root system without burning them out or weakening other nearby plants. A balanced 20/20/20 analysis is recommended that includes high phosphorus numbers (the middle number) so your trees will be better able to resist diseases and pests while producing abundant flowers each year. Weeping cherries also benefit from a light mulch of organic material applied around their base each fall, but do not mulch the trunk or apply too close to their crown as this can cause rot problems and disease.
What type of soil is best for a weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherries require well-draining soils that are deep and loamy with plenty of organic material mixed in such as composted leaf litter. A pH level between five and seven is recommended which means you may need to amend your native garden bed before planting; if you have highly acidic soil then lime will be required while adding sulfur if it’s extremely alkaline. To test your soil’s acidity levels scoop up some from several inches below the surface using an aluminum pie plate and add distilled white vinegar; if it bubbles or fizzles right away then you have a high acid level. You can also purchase inexpensive soil testing kits from your local garden center that will yield more accurate results in just minutes with simple color comparison charts to determine appropriate amendments before planting.
How big does my weeping cherry tree get?
Weeping cherries typically grow about thirty feet tall and wide at mature height which is perfect for smaller yards as they produce abundant flowers on strong upright branches, but do require occasional pruning during their first few years of growth to encourage branching at the bottom so they won’t become spindly by mid-summer. If planted too close together these trees will compete for space and sunlight limiting flower production and overall growth.
What type of pruning does my weeping cherry tree need?
Weeping cherries require regular light pruning every year before new shoots grow in the springtime to produce flowers; if you let them grow unchecked they will get very tall and leggy which reduces flowering each season as well as limits sunlight exposure for lower branches that may become bare by mid-summer. To remove any dead or broken limbs simply cut through their attachment point using hand shears, then thin out crowded branches on young trees while older ones can be completely rejuvenated with a heavy cutting back during dormancy when no leaves are present so next year’s flower buds aren’t removed in the process; this also helps reduce disease and pest problems by allowing more airflow through the tree’s crown which reduces their spread.
What is a good companion plant for my weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherries thrive when planted near ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem (Schyzachyrium scoparium) and Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) that are native to the eastern United States because they have similar cultural requirements, perform well in full sun conditions with moist but well-draining soils, while producing beautiful flowers of yellow or purplish color; these plants can also be cut back each season to encourage new growth if needed without causing serious harm. Ornamental trees are also great companions such as Redbud Trees and Flowering Dogwoods which all produce beautiful flowers with purple or pink petals in early spring followed by delicious red fruits usually found on dogwood trees that are edible but best used for jams and jellies.
How do I care for my weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherries require regular watering during the first two years of development to encourage strong root growth, especially after planting when their roots have adjusted to new soil conditions so they will become established quickly; mulching is also recommended each fall around the base of your tree’s trunk as a protective barrier against mice who may try eating bark and girdling young branches if given a chance. Each year before flowering cut back any dead, broken or crossing branches because these can harbor disease and pests like aphids, spider mites or scale insects which can be controlled with insecticidal soap sprays used cautiously to avoid harming pollinating bees that are drawn to these flowers each spring.
When does a weeping cherry tree blossom?
Weeping cherry trees blossom in early spring, usually around mid to late March depending on the weather conditions; they produce gorgeous flowers that are bright pink or red in color framed with five petals each.
Where to buy a weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherry trees are available at most nurseries, garden centers and big box stores during their planting season which typically runs from mid-spring to early summer depending on where you live.
We've listed a few options here for reference:
Why is my weeping cherry tree dropping leaves?
This usually happens when the soil around a young tree has been allowed to dry out completely causing root damage that inhibits absorption of water or nutrients needed for new growth; if this is not corrected quickly your weeping cherry will drop its leaves in protest so be sure to keep them well watered during periods of drought conditions until they have become established. Other reasons include poor drainage, too much shade from nearby structures like buildings or other trees as well as pest infestations with aphids feeding on tender shoots which can be controlled with insecticidal soap sprays used cautiously to avoid harming pollinating bees that are drawn to these flowers each spring.
Final thoughts on weeping cherry trees
Hope you enjoyed this article on weeping cherry trees!
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