Basic Care for Keeping a Cherry Blossom Tree Small
For many, a cherry blossom tree offers a beautiful, short-term reminder of the beauty of spring. For those with limited space for a larger tree, it is important to learn the strategies for keeping it small. To accomplish this, cherry blossom tree enthusiasts have identified several steps to be taken at planting, during the growing season and over the winter months.
At planting, it is beneficial to know that cherry blossom trees are shallow-rooted, so the soil should be amended and well draining. Looser soil allows the roots to spread, therefore taking up the necessary water and nutrients with minimal effort. To ensure the tree stays at a manageable size and doesn’t become top-heavy, the area around the base of the cherry blossom should also be proportionally dug out — as wide as the height of the tree — to allow the roots more space.
During the growing season, there are several suggestions for how to maintain the size of a cherry blossom tree. One way is to prune the tree twice a year — once in the spring and an additional pruning in early summer — to remove the sucker growth (pest growth resulting from a change in environment). It is also important to mulch the soil regularly to prevent weeds from taking over, which would otherwise compete for the tree’s water and nutrients, causing it to become too large.
Finally, it is essential to avoid overcultivation of the soil such as tilling or deep turning that can introduce large amounts of nutrients and oxygen to the soil that can then cause the tree to grow too large. Further, the tree should be monitored for any unwanted pests and should be initially watched for disease by pruning off any spotted limbs.
Shielding From Tougher Weather Conditions
In addition to basic maintenance of a cherry blossom tree while it is actively growing, there are steps to be taken to protect it from the more severe weather conditions that winter can bring. In order to keep a cherry blossom tree small, experts recommend wrapping it in tree covers in order to protect it from the harsh temperatures during the winter months.
Tree covers are especially useful for the shallow-rooted cherry blossom trees, since their roots are more vulnerable to drying out in the winter — and are therefore more susceptible to dry rot. The trees are also sensitive to strong winds, which can cause damage to the roots and the bark of the tree.
Wrapping a cherry blossom tree in tree covers is easier than one might think — the cover simply slips over the top of the tree and is then folded or netted around the base to hold securely in a sort of cocoon. The tree cover should be checked once a month or so during winter and early spring. If signs of mildew, bacteria, or fungal growth are found, the tree should be removed and treated with chemical fungicides on the visible signs of disease before returning it to the protective tree cover.
Nutrition and Watering Requirements
Nutrition and watering requirements are vitally important to keeping a cherry blossom tree small. It is advisable to fertilize the cherry blossom tree once or twice a season. Prior to applying fertilizer be sure to test the soil to determine pH value and identify any existing nutrient deficiencies. If the soil is deficient in any of the essential elements needed for growth, these deficiencies can be rectified by way of an appropriate nutrient deficiency supplement.
Watering is also a key requirement for keeping a cherry blossom tree small — the tree should be watered once a week for optimal growth. However, it’s important to monitor the tree for signs of overwatering, since it can easily lead to diseases such as root rot, or overwet and soggy soil which can encourage fungal growth. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around the base of the tree to a depth of two or three inches to understand and monitor the watering needs of the tree.
Practical Considerations
To ensure that a cherry blossom tree is kept at a small size, the size of the tree must be evaluated relative to the size of the intended space it is placed into. A cherry blossom tree should be pruned to reduce its overall size for both aesthetic and practical purposes. If a tree is placed into an area that is too small, the root system is likely to spread out farther than the canopy and, as such, pruning will be necessary to keep the tree from abutting permanent structures such as buildings or fences.
The type of soil is also a critical factor to consider when planting a cherry blossom tree. The best soil in which to plant a cherry blossom tree is well balanced, with preferably not too much nutrient-rich organic matter. If planting a cherry blossom tree in soil that is too rich, the tree could end up growing quickly, which could lead to the need to prune it back more often to keep it at a small size.
Location Considerations
When selecting a location to house a cherry blossom tree, it is important to consider the tree’s long-term needs. A cherry blossom tree should be placed in a location that offers a balance of sunlight and shade. These trees require a minimum of four or five hours of direct sunlight per day and should also be given enough shade from trees or other large objects to provide protection from strong winds.
The site should also be away from buildings and other trees that could rob the cherry blossom tree of its nutrients. For optimal growth and maintaining a small size, it is also important to select a location that is away from underground utility lines, as well as electrical lines, fencing, and other objects that could impede the growth.
Insect and Disease Management
In order to keep a cherry blossom tree small, it is essential to manage its insects and disease. Regular inspections should be undertaken in order to identify the presence of any insect pests or diseases. The best way to eliminate pests is to spray them off with water and then to apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in order to ensure their removal. Most pests require two or three applications of these substances in order to be removed.
As for disease, limb or branch pruning is the best solution as diseased parts of the tree should be removed from the tree and disposed of properly. Furthermore, it is important to inspect the tree for any visible signs of disease and to apply a fungicidal spray to reduce the occurrence of any diseases that could potentially affect the growth or size of the tree.
Mulching for Growth Control
Mulching is an effective way to keep a cherry blossom tree at a small size, as it has many benefits such as reducing the number of weeds and grasses that grow near the base of the tree and competing with the tree for resources. Mulching also assists in the conservation of moisture, which is extremely beneficial during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
In addition to the above, mulching helps to cushion the soil and prevents compaction, which can be detrimental to the health and well-being of a cherry blossom tree. When adding mulch, be sure to avoid placing it too close to the trunk of the tree as it can trap excessive moisture, creating a favorable environment for fungal growth.
Bark and Trunk Care
The bark of a cherry blossom tree should be monitored in order to keep it small. This requires regular checks for signs of small pores, cuts, cracks, or thinning areas of bark. Additionally, any weak or decaying branches should be regularly pruned in order to maintain a healthy, balanced tree.
Special attention should be paid to the trunk, as it can be a common site for harmful insects and diseases. Inspection of the trunk for brittle areas, as well as for any bark splits, is important as well. If any of these conditions are detected, it is important to take action as soon as possible to ensure the health of the tree.
Overall Health and Care
The overall health and wellness of a cherry blossom tree is key to keeping it small. Proper pruning and maintenance is important, as well as ensuring the tree receives sufficient water and nutrition. Monitoring the tree for signs of disease and pest infestation is also important. Further, the right location and a suitable soil environment should be secured in order to ensure success.
In addition to the above, care should be taken to wrap the trees in tree covers, particularly during the winter months, and mulch should be applied to the soil to retain moisture and reduce weed growth. This will help the tree stay healthy and robust, allowing it to produce lush blossoms year after year while remaining at a small size.
