Cherry Blossom Tree Growth
Cherry blossom trees are renowned for their beautiful blossom and majestic stature. Native to eastern Asia and North America, these trees are known for their fast growth rate and aesthetic beauty. But how big can a cherry blossom tree grow?
At their most premium potential, cherry blossom trees can reach heights of 10 to 12 meters in their natural, wild state. However, in order to acquire the most suitable conditions for the trees to reach their maximum height, specific environment factors must be met: for instance, cherry blossom trees must be planted in temperate, moist locations with full exposure to the sun in order to fully reach their height potential.
For trees planted in private gardens, they are unlikely to reach their full height due to the restricted environment. Although these trees have the capacity to reach 10 to 12 meters of height in the wild, they are much more likely to reach 4 to 5 meters in the garden. This is due to the obstruction of voluble soil and limited space.
Experts have noted that cherry blossom trees should not be pruned or trimmed excessively in order to promote growth, as this stunts healthy and natural growth. Pruning should be moderate and infrequent to maintain the health of the tree and encourage better growth. Furthermore, giving the tree extra fertilizer during its growing season is beneficial to the health of the tree and helps to promote increased height.
The lifespan of a cherry blossom tree can range from 25 to 50 years if given the correct levels of water, sunlight and fertilizer. Because of their minimal lifespan, cherry blossom trees should be taken care of with great cercumspection and attended to regularly, as any insufficient care can greatly hinder the growth of the tree or even lead to early death.
In some instances, cherry blossom trees grow in a bush-like, shrubbery form, depending on the particular species. Some species of tree can be maintained in their bush-like form through pruning and subjection, rather than natural growth. Trees with pink cherry blossoms, such as the Yoshino cherry, are known to grow into large, single trunk trees, along with the Higan cherry tree or the Somei Yokohama, which can reach heights of up to 18 meters.
Overall, the cherry blossom tree is a beautiful and hardy species, able to adapt to a variety of conditions, although to reach its desired height and growth potential it must be planted in the correct environment and looked after with due care.
Cherry Blossom Tree Varieties
There are a large number of cherry blossom varieties that differ in appearance and colour, as well as growth size and lifespan. Generally, the traditional range are between 7 to 12 meters in height and blossom in various shades of pink and white. For example, the most common Yoshino cherry trees – also known as the Somei Yoshino – reach a height of between 12 and 15 meters tall, and are easily recognized by their signature light pink.
The Kawazuzakura variety is a medium-sized tree, typically growing between 5 and 8 meters. Its unique features are its petal-like ridges along the edges of the blossoms, which can also grow to dark pink in colour. The Yaezakura, another popular variety, is known to reach a maximum height of 15 meters and produces a blooming effect of bright pink and white colours.
The Higan cherry tree, far more difficult to grow, can reach heights of 18 meters, alongside its second variation, the Oshima cherry tree which reaches 15 meters. Both species grow white petals and are a more exclusive variety rarely seen outside of Japan.
For smaller variations, the Shidarezakura tree grows to a height of between 5 and 8 meters and produces a pink and white combination. The Shizuka cherry, restricted to a smaller size of 5 meters, is popular due to its showy display of deep pink petals. And the Sargent Weeping cherry tree is far smaller than the others, reaching a height of between 3 and 5 meters, making it a great choice for small gardens or urban settings.
Cherry Blossom Tree Differentiation
When trying to identify which species of cherry blossom tree you possess, there are several physical features you can use to distinguish between each species. The Sargent weeping cherry tree is easily recognizable due to its long and wispy branches, as well as drooping petals. The Shidarezakura tree is known for its cherries clustered together into a timber-like form, producing a thicker tree with large pink and white petals. The Kawazuzakura tree is easily distinguished by its unmistakable petal-like ridges.
The variety of the tree can also be identified by the location in which they are planted, as different regions of the world are naturally home to a variety of cherry blossom species. For example, Japan is renowned for its cherry blossom displays, as several native species of tree flourish in the Japanese silk tree-lined regions.
Finally, the height of the tree is a major differentiator, as higher varieties reach greater heights than their smaller counterparts. Whilst the Shizuka and the Sargent cherry tree reach heights of between 3 and 5 meters, the Higan, Oshima and Yaezakura trees reach upwards of 12 meters in height.
Cherry Blossom Tree Care and Maintenance
When caring for a cherry blossom tree, it is important that adequate amounts of fertilizer, water and sunlight are provided. Due to their minimal lifespan of 25 to 30 years, cherry blossom trees should be taken care of regularly in order to maintain their health and longevity.
Watering the tree must be done regularly in order to prevent it from drying out, particularly during the summer months. Experts have recommended that newly planted cherry blossom trees should be watered more frequently so that the root system can become securely established within the soil.
Fertilizing the tree using specialized fertilizers is key to promoting general healthy growth and preventing nutrient deficiencies. Generally, fertilizers should be used at the beginning of the growing season when the tree begins to bloom, and again when the blossoms fall away.
Pruning should also be carried out on cherry blossom trees on a regular basis to maintain shape and form, and should be done with moderate amounts. Too much pruning can stunt the healthy growth of the tree and is therefore only recommended to be carried out in severe cases.
To protect the tree against diseases, experts endorse the usage of fungicides. These include fungicides such as Ridomil Gold EC, which is known to be extremely effective at preventing and removing disease-causing organisms from the tree. Applying fungicides or pesticides should be done before any major infection has occurred.
Cherry Blossom Tree Location
When planting a cherry blossom tree, the best possible location must be chosen. Cherry blossom trees require full exposure to the sun in order to cultivate healthy and strong growth patterns, therefore it is recommended that the tree is planted in an open, sunny space away from shade or obstruction.
These trees also grow best in temperate, moist climates – warm yet dry. The soil which the cherry blossom tree is planted in must also be of good quality and have an adequate source of water available – particularly during the summer months to keep the tree hydrated.
Furthermore, the tree should be planted at least 6 feet away from any structures or buildings to prevent any obstruction. Structures near to the tree should also be constructed with non-harmful materials such as wood or fabric to prevent any damage to the root system.
Finally, when planting the cherry blossom tree it is essential that it is done so with sufficient space and soil, as this helps to promote a stronger root system – enabling better growth and providing the tree with added support.
Cherry Blossom Tree Benefits
Cherry blossom trees are highly valued for their ornamental and aesthetic benefits, often seen in popular tourist locations across eastern Asia. Cherry blossom trees are known to promote a tranquil and calming effect, acting as a natural stress reliever in all kinds of environments, from gardens to public parks.
From a personal standpoint, having a cherry blossom tree in your garden is a valuable asset, providing a unique and special addition to the environment. These trees are also known to introduce beneficial insects such as moths and butterflies, adding life to any garden.
Cultivating and growing a cherry blossom tree requires patience and responsibility, as it is essential to attend to the needs of the tree in order to promote healthy, balanced growth. This can have a calming and rewarding effect, as tending to the tree successfully will ultimately lead to a more aesthetically pleasing and strong specimen.
From an educational standpoint, cherry blossom trees offer great ways to teach youngsters about the importance of attending to the needs and requirements of plants, and exemplify the beauty of nature and the outdoors.
As such, cherry blossom trees are hugely beneficial animals, providing a range of physical and psychological health benefits, as well as adding ornamental and aesthetic value to any local environment.
