Introduction
Weeping cherry trees are a type of cherry tree with pendulous branches, quite often ornamental and especially eye-catching for their colorful blooms of pale pink, white and even red. The blossoms typically arrive in the early spring and these trees are known for their captivating display of drooping branches flowing gracefully from the crown – a great addition to any garden indeed. Growing these trees may seem like a complex task, since they have rather specific requirements and require a bit of extra know-how, but luckily with the right information, it is quite doable. Read on to learn the main steps for cultivating a healthy, blooming weeping cherry tree.
Choosing a Site
The first step to growing a weeping cherry tree is picking the right place for planting. These trees prefer a place with full sun such as east, southeast or south-facing, ideally sheltered from harsh winds. As for soil, they are adaptable to most types, provided they are slightly acidic and well-drained. It is also best if the location is not too exposed and prone to frosts, with temperatures rarely dropping trying 10°F or lower.
Planting the Tree
Weeping cherry trees should be planted in late fall to early spring when temperatures are on the cooler side. The choice should be a young, healthy and pest-free tree from a nursery, usually sold grafted to dwarf rootstock. Follow the instructions on the label to make sure you use the correct planting depth for the rootball and that you keep a distance between the tree and other plants. If needed, add a generous amount of organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure to the planting site for nutrition. Water well for the first seasons and use a tree stake or cable ties to provide extra support for the branches.
Care and Maintenance
Once the tree is planted, regular maintenance should be taken into consideration. Watering it during periods of low rainfall is essential, as is fertilizing with a slow-release fertilizer such as fully-matured compost or manure. Pruning is best done in the early summer, before flowering, as weeping cherry trees require very little pruning. Optional but recommended care includes mulching during the summer and winter to protect the roots and the base of the tree, as well as using plastic covers during the winter to protect it from weather-related damage.
Pests and Disease
Weeping cherry trees are quite resistant to pests and diseases. The most common issues, however, are aphids, powdery mildew, leaf spots and root rot. Controls for these can be spraying with a insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, applying horticultural sulfur or liquid copper fungicides and providing plenty of drainage to the soil. If the tree is heavily attacked or otherwise unhealthy, consulting a tree specialist or arborist is suggested.
Pruning a Mature Tree
Caring for a mature weeping cherry tree may also require some occasional pruning. If the tree looks lopsided, some branches may need to be removed in order to give it a balanced shape, while any weakened, diseased or dead limbs should be pruned away promptly. The branches should always be cut to the trunk, never on a slant. Proper timing is, once again, essential – pruning should occur after flowering and before August, in order to not disrupt the blooming cycle.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruit
If your weeping cherry tree is a fruit-bearing variety, the blooms will eventually transform into the fruit, which can be picked, once it has ripened, in late spring or early summer. Weeping cherry trees don’t produce quite as much fruit as their non-weeping family members, but what they do produce is quite varied and delicious. The fresh fruit can be used to make jams, wines, pickles, dried fruit as well as fresh desserts.
Propagation
Propagating a weeping cherry tree can be done in four different ways – grafting, air layering, cuttings and seed germination. While the latter two are the most successful options, the first two require the help of a specialist, as the process is a bit more complex. Grafting is usually accomplished in the late winter, while air layering and cuttings can be done from mid-spring to early summer. Germinating the seeds is the most cumbersome option, as it takes anywhere from 8-15 days for the seeds to sprout and then several years for the trees to reach a mature age.
Fertilization
Weeping cherry trees are usually quite low-maintenance when it comes to fertilization. Ideally, they should be given a weak (2 percent) nitrogen fertilizer once a year, in late spring. Alternatively, using an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or fully-matured compost will ensure a well-rounded nutrition for the tree. In either case, follow the instructions on the label and always keep the fertilizer away from the trunk.
Soil Preparation
The soil should also be taken into consideration when growing a weeping cherry tree. It should be slightly acidic, with a pH around 6.5, and well-drained in order for the roots to be able to thrive. Adding some organic material such as compost to the soil will give it the extra boost it needs to provide adequate nutrition for the tree. It is also important to monitor the soil for potential pests or disease, and if any of these appears, organic options such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth can be used for controls.
Providing Extra Support
The weight of the long and heavy pendulous branches needs to be taken into consideration when caring for a weeping cherry tree. It is best to provide some extra support in the form of a tree stake, metal cable ties or a shepherd’s hook, in order to evenly distribute the weight and make sure the branches remain upright and do not break. This should be done either during planting or in the first few years of growth, regularly checking the stability of the tree.
