Height and Must-Know Facts
Weeping cherry trees are known for their stunning blooms in the springtime and their bounteous beauty in the summer. Whether you are planning a garden with a weeping cherry tree at its centre, or you’re simply curious about their heights, shining through the canopy of a garden, understanding how tall a weeping cherry tree is can help you decide if it’s a tree you’d like to bring into your garden.
Weeping cherry trees are usually between 5 and 15 feet tall when mature and can grow quite quickly when planted when young. The smallest species of the weeping cherry tree, Yoshino cherry trees, is usually 5 to 8 feet when mature. The larger species of weeping cherry, including the Shidare Yoshino tree, can grow to be 8 to 15 feet tall.
Weeping cherry trees also have beautiful cascading branches that stretch out horizontally, making them popular in gardens that have high walls around them. The pendulous branches are perfect for a walled garden and can be trained to grow on either side of the wall. The most common type of walled garden weeping cherry tree is the Higan cherry tree, which grows to be 8 to 10 feet tall.
When considering how tall a weeping cherry tree is, it’s important to take into account its root system. Weeping cherry trees have an extensive root system and can quickly outgrow a small garden if not carefully monitored and pruned. These trees prefer a slightly acidic soil. They are also finicky about location and can be susceptible to disease if not planted in an area with the right amounts of sun and water.
Weeping cherry trees can be susceptible to pests, fungus, and other diseases. To promote growth and keep the tree healthy, it’s important to prune regularly and take other steps such as mulching to help retain moisture during times of drought. Pruning in early spring is always best as the tree is more sensitive closer to its bloom period. This will help ensure the tree stays healthy and promotes a vibrant, flowering tree during the summer.
Experts recommend that if you’re looking to bring a weeping cherry tree into your garden, it’s important to do your research and select one that is disease-resistant and recommended for your area. It’s also important to ensure you are giving the tree the right care and attention in order to keep it healthy and ensure it blooms. On average, a weeping cherry tree that is well taken care of can last somewhere around 20 years in a garden.
Growth Speed and Sun Requirements
Weeping cherry trees can grow quickly from the time they are planted. As long as they are planted in the right soil and climate, and given proper care, the cherry tree can grow nearly 6 feet a year. Keep in mind that the average mature tree will stand between 8 and 10 feet high.
Weeping cherry trees prefer full sun for at least 8 hours a day. This means an area that isn’t shaded by other trees or buildings. The optimal temperature for growth will be somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning they do not thrive in cooler climates. Most weeping cherry trees will also bloom more often and with more beauty if they are planted in areas with high levels of humidity.
Weeping cherry trees are also fascinating in the sense that they will shift their blooming season depending on the climate they are grown in. Consideration must be taken by gardeners of warmer climates, as the tree may bloom excessively if given the right amount of sunlight and heat during the summer months.
Making sure to pay attention to the tree’s growth, especially in the first few years of planting, is vital for your cherry tree’s health. If the tree begins to grow too quickly, or not quickly enough, it may be a sign of problems related to the environment or to maintenance.
Fertilization can also be used to help promote faster growth for a weeping cherry tree. However, this should be done in moderation, as an overabundance of fertilizer can cause the tree to become too fragile and susceptible to disease.
Special Requirements and Watering
Weeping cherry trees need to be pruned during late spring or early summer. When selecting the right size of a pruning tool, ensure that the tool will extend beyond the trunk of the tree in order to give the tree the shape it needs. Pruning a weeping cherry tree is slightly more involved than other standard trees, as the shape of a weeping cherry tree is a near-perfectly round. When browsing for the right tree for your garden, remember to check if the available foliage matches the desired shape.
To ensure the tree stays healthy and is able to maintain its blooms, it’s important to water the tree regularly during extended dry spells, droughts, and extremely hot days. Planting the tree in an area with good drainage will also ensure it’s able to bounce back if it’s been given too much or too little water. Weeping cherry trees are also commonly planted in pots, which means they can be transported if need be in case of changing weather.
Weeping Cherry trees do best when they are given plenty of moisture throughout the summer. Make sure to keep up with the watering requirements and maintain the health of the tree by ensuring it is not watered too frequently or not enough.
Fertilization is also important for promoting faster growth for a weeping cherry tree. However, this should be done in moderation, as an overabundance of fertilizer can cause the tree to become too fragile and susceptible to disease.
Pests, Fungus and Disease
Weeping cherry trees can be susceptible to damage from pests, fungus, and disease. Common culprits for damage to a weeping cherry tree are Japanese beetles and aphids, which feed on the foliage of the tree. Some diseases, such as canker and leaf spot, can also affect the tree if they are not treated quickly. Regular inspections of the tree’s health can help to mitigate any damage.
Fungal diseases can also affect weeping cherry trees, primarily in damp climates. Gray mold and powdery mildew are two common fungus that can affect the health of a weeping cherry tree. It’s important to address any of these issues promptly, as fungus and pests can quickly damage and weaken a tree.
Some people may be tempted to use insecticides or fungicides on their trees to protect them from damage. However, this should be avoided as it can damage the tree and the surrounding environment.
To prevent the growth of fungus and pests, the tree should be watered and pruned regularly. Pruning should take place in early spring as the tree is more sensitive during this time. Watering the tree during times of drought and keeping the soil moist will also help to prevent the growth of pests or fungus.
Planting Tips for a Weeping Cherry Tree
When planting a weeping cherry tree, it’s important to ensure that the soil is well drained. Weeping cherry trees prefer soils with plenty of organic matter and slightly acidic soil, similar to that of rhododendrons. Plant the tree in an area with good access to sunlight and protected from strong winds.
The root system of a weeping cherry tree can be extensive and can cause problems if the tree is planted too close to other trees or buildings. To ensure the tree doesn’t encroach on other gardens, it should be planted in an open area with plenty of room to grow. If you plan to plant your tree in a small garden, a walled garden will give the tree an ideal environment to grow.
When selecting the sapling for planting, it’s important to pick the healthiest one available. The sapling should be free from any obvious damage or disease and it’s important to select one that is hardy and known to do well in your climate. Consider also the surrounding plants and trees that might affect the sapling. If some trees are in the vicinity, make sure to choose a variety of weeping cherry tree that is known to do well in the shade.
Wrapping Up
Weeping cherry trees are beautiful additions to any garden and are perfect for those with a walled garden. These trees require regular maintenance, such as pruning and fertilizing, to stay healthy and ensure vibrant blooms throughout the summertime. Whether you are considering planting a weeping cherry tree, or you’re simply curious about how tall they can grow, ensure to keep these tips in mind when dealing with such a beautiful and majestic tree.
