1. Basics of Planting a Japanese Cherry Tree
Many people find delight in planting a Japanese cherry tree in their homes or gardens. The best way to ensure a vibrant result is to go through the basics in order to understand the needs of the tree before taking its first root. Japanese cherry trees generally thrive in a sunny location with well-draining soil and plenty of space for the sprawling branches to reach without infringing on neighboring trees or homes. If a location doesn’t have six hours of full sunlight, the tree won’t produce the amount of flowers it would in the sunnier regions.
In most areas, the best time to plant a Japanese cherry tree is in late spring or early summer. This time of year ensures that the roots have time to establish before the cold, winter temperatures arrive and cause possible damage from too little warmth. After a tree has been found that suits the location, the planting itself can begin.
Each tree should be given three to four feet of space between other trees and shrubs. This helps the tree to grow properly and receive ample sunlight. The depth of the hole should be twice as deep as the root ball and three times as wide. A teaspoon of fertilizer should then be mixed into the hole before the tree is placed. The soil that had been dug out of the hole can then be refilled. Tamping down the soil after it is filled helps with compaction and prevents air pockets.
2. Watering and Mulching
The most important part of caring for a Japanese cherry tree is ensuring that it is properly watered. After planting, a gallon of water should be poured around the base of the tree which encourages the roots to expand down rather than up. This should be repeated once a week, depending on the region and weather patterns. If more than a week passes without rain, then the tree should be given an adequate amount of water.
A two- to three-inch layer of mulch should then be spread around the tree, making sure to not cover the root ball or trunk of the tree. This helps keep moisture in the soil and prevents any weeds from popping up and sucking the tree’s nutrients away.
3. Pruning
Pruning is necessary for the tree to be able to produce the expected number of blooms. It helps shape the branches to either aid in the beauty of the tree or to accommodate it’s surroundings. During the flowering years, experts suggest trimming the branch tips, where you’ll find the most blooms. Sometimes a tree may be too tall and it will be necessary to prune the crown in order to keep the tree at a more manageable height.
Pruning should be done in late winter, just before the tree begins to blossom again. This gives ample time for the tree to recover before the following spring and will ensure a healthier, brighter, and more robust bloom.
4. Insects and Diseases
When planting a Japanese cherry tree, it is important to also keep an eye out for any potential insect or disease issues. The most common insect attackers are aphids, spider mites, or scale. These pests should be treated with a light horticultural oil. Diseases are harder to detect and treat, but the tree may show signs of slow growth, wilting, or yellowing of leaves which can be an indication of a diseased tree. If a tree becomes infected, it is important to get help from a local horticultural specialist so that it does not adversely affect other trees in the same region.
5. Fertilizing
Fertilizing is essential for the ongoing well-being of the tree and should be done in late winter for best results. A general-purpose fertilizer is ideal for both established and young trees. The amount of fertilizer used should be dependent on the size of the tree and the specific instructions from the manufacturer.
6. Beneficial Winter Protection
Due to the unpredictable nature of the winter season, it is important to give the tree an extra level of protection. Fertilizing in late winter with a higher-potash feed will give extra strength to the root system, so that the tree will be better-equipped to face the cold temperature and winds that accompany winter.
Wrap the trunk with a wide piece of burlap to help insulate the roots from extreme temperatures. This should be applied in late fall and removed in late spring when the last frost has past.
7. Enjoyment
With the basics of planting and caring for a Japanese Cherry Tree covered, the only thing left is to enjoy the tree’s beauty. Its delicate pink blossoms appear in early spring and signal the beginning of a new season for all to enjoy. Whether it is planted in a garden or kept in a pot, the cherry tree’s beauty and gentle scent will bring a welcome addition to any area that it is placed.
8. Soil Tenguirements
Japanese cherry trees thrive in soils with a pH level of 6-7. Too much acid can cause yellow leaves, slow growth and smaller flowers. In order to reduce the acid content of soils, a light application of agricultural lime can help balance the PH levels.
Adding compost to the soil also helps to increase its nutrient content, improving the tree’s overall health. If there are any other issues, such as poor drainage or pest infestations, they should be dealt with by a professional.
9. Pests & Disease Control Strategies
If the tree suffers from a pest infestation, the first step should be to identify the type of pest and then use an appropriate treatment. Insecticidal soap or another environmentally-friendly method should be used for mild to moderate infestations. For more serious infestations, an insecticide powder or liquid should be used.
When it comes to disease control, pruning out diseased branches, removing any fallen leaves and allowing for more circulation of air through the tree are great preventative measures. If the tree does become affected with disease, it is important to not panic and talk to a local horticulturist for advice.
10. Containers
For those who want to keep their Japanese cherry tree in a pot, there are certain considerations to ensure it is properly taken care of. Firstly, find a pot that is large enough to support the growth of the tree and has sufficient drainage holes, as root rot can occur in poorly-draining soil. Soil-less potting mix should be used, rather than garden soil, in order to provide required nutrients and prevent any sogginess. Watering regularly is essential as the tree will dry out more quickly in a container than if it were planted in the ground.
Fertilizing should also be done more frequently than with a tree planted in the garden. A specially-formulated fertilizer for container plants should be used to ensure the tree receives the appropriate balance of nutrition. Lastly, when the tree reaches the top of the pot, it should be carefully removed, the roots should be spread out in the new soil and the tree should be placed back into the pot.
