Overview
Pruning a weeping cherry tree is an integral part of maintaining a healthy tree and keeping its aesthetic value. It requires the assessment of the plant’s growth and any areas that need removing or corrective trimming. It is important pruning techniques are applied properly to guarantee the health of the tree and to prevent unnecessary damage from occurring. In this article, we aim to provide background information, relevant data and perspectives from experts regarding how to prune a weeping cherry tree.
Background Information
Weeping cherry trees are deciduous trees typically used for their aesthetic value and to provide shade. Pruning involves the removal of dead, dying and diseased branches. It also involves the modification of tree structure by thinning a tree’s crown and reducing the branch density. It is important to note that pruning should only occur when a tree is dormant, which usually is sometime between late fall and early spring, otherwise the tree may suffer from shock.
Relevance Data
Young trees are often pruned to encourage branches to grow outwards and increase their strength. As trees get older, pruning can be used to limit their size and reduce the formation of dead wood. Larger branches may need to be cut back to reduce the risk of damaging property or roads. Sometimes the removal of some branches can make a tree look more aesthetically pleasing and in other cases vigorous pruning can be carried out to improve the flowering of certain types of trees.
Expert Perspectives
According to Paul Sellers, an arborist from York, if pruned correctly, weeping cherry trees can be kept under control and can look even better than before. He believes that properly pruning a young tree can help with its future development and should be done during the dormant season. Pruning should be done with a sharp pair of pruning shears, loppers or a pruning saw.
Paul believes that it is important to think before pruning and to only remove what is necessary. By carefully examining a tree, it is possible to identify and prune dead, sick or hazardous branches. It is also important to make sure that only targeted growths are removed, not randomly pruning them. He also believes it is a good idea to know how and where to cut which is usually a few centimeters beyond the branch bark ridge as this will stop the formation of water sprouts.
Analysis and Insights
Though pruning a weeping cherry tree requires certain expertise, it is an essential part of maintaining its health and structure. It can also be used to improve the tree’s appearance or to limit its size where necessary. Pruning should be done during the tree’s dormant period so that it does not suffer from shock, and cuts should be made objectively with the right tools. Cutting beyond the branch bark ridge is ideal to stop the formation of water sprouts.
Goals of Pruning
Pruning aims to develop a tree’s branch structure and keep it healthy by reducing the risk of damaging property and roads. It also helps limit the size of a tree, encourage flowering and improve its general aesthetics.
Main Types of Pruning
Pruning can be done to reduce structure and shape, to reduce size, and to remove dead, dying or diseased material. It can also be used to reduce the risk of damage from heavy, weak or diseased limbs.
Techniques Used for Pruning
Pruning techniques typically involve making three cuts when removing larger branches – the first cut being a few inches above the branch bark ridge, a second cut at the base of the limb, and a third cut which will remove stubs on the trunk. In addition, it may also be necessary to thin the neighboring growths around the larger branches.
Benefits of Pruning
The benefits of pruning include improved lifespan, aesthetic value and productivity. Regular pruning will help direct a tree’s growth and maintain its structure, making it less likely to suffer from damage in extreme weather conditions such as high winds. Improved tree structure and spread of branches can help encourage flowering and fruiting.
Do’s and Don’ts of Pruning
Do’s include: assess the tree before pruning, prune correctly with the right equipment, inspect and prune dead, sick or hazardous branches, and make sure that only targeted growths are removed. Don’ts include: don’t prune when the tree is in a dormant season, don’t randomly prune branches, and never top or crown a tree.
Potential Risks
Potential risks include shock – if pruned at the wrong time of year – and wounds becoming infected. It is also possible to damage a tree by pruning too much or by incorrectly cutting branches as this can inhibit the growth process.
After Care
Once pruning is complete, it is important to treat the open wounds with an approved tree wound dressing. This will help to protect the tree from decay and any possible infection. It is also a good idea to use an insecticide whenever pruning to keep pests away.
