Understand the Basics
Weeping cherry trees can be both breathtakingly beautiful and potentially problematic in a home garden. In order to maintain a healthy aesthetic and productive life, the trees need to be pruned regularly. This article will discuss how to properly trim a weeping cherry tree, including what to look out for and how to take care when pruning. By following these steps, you can prepare your tree for many years of growth and beauty.
Select a Pruning Date
Pruning any plant or tree is best done in late winter or early spring, before the start of the growing season. An exception to this rule is if a branch is dead or diseased and must be removed immediately, in which case it can be done in any season.
For most maintenance, you should plan on pruning when the tree is still dormant. If you wait too late into the growing season, you might accidentally inhibit the tree’s growth, causing more harm than good.
Identify Dead and Diseased Branches
When assessing a tree for pruning, pull back the branches and inspect for any dieback, discoloration, or other signs of a failing branch. If branches are too hard to bend, that’s a sign that the branch is still alive.
You want to be sure to take out any branches that can’t be saved, as they could spread their affliction to the healthy parts of the tree. Diseased branches can be pruned at any time of the year, in order to limit the potential spread of the disease.
Trim Branches for Health and Beauty
The goal of pruning a weeping cherry tree is to keep it healthy, but also, to maintain its gracefully drooping appearance. To accomplish this, you can selectively prune or thin out some of the smaller, redundant branches. This will help channel the tree’s energy into its strongest branches and enable it to produce better fruit.
When pruning any tree, be sure to use sharp, clean tools; this will help prevent injury to both the tree and the gardener. Pruning shears or a saw are the best tools to use when trimming a weeping cherry tree, as you want to be precise and careful. Cleaning your tools between cuts is also a good practice and will help to prevent the spread of disease and infection.
Utilize Proper Cuts
When trimming a tree, it’s important to make the correct cuts. When pruning to reduce a tree’s size, be sure to cut the branches just outside the tree’s collar. An angled cut can help to seal the wound and allow the tree to quickly begin healing.
For thinning out the tree, be sure to retain the tree’s “vase” shape. This will help to give the tree an overall balanced look and conserve its natural beauty. To thin out a weeping cherry tree, selectively prune away the smaller, inner branches that are blocking sunlight or competing with the strongest branches.
Gather Pruned Materials
Once you’ve completed pruning the tree, gather up all of the cut materials. These can be composted or burned, depending on the regulations of your local municipality or county. Many cities and towns now have services to pick up and dispose of this type of yard material, so be sure to check with the local trash collection service.
Encourage New Growth and Protect from Disease
After safely gathering the pruned materials, take the time to protect and encourage the newly exposed surfaces. Gently rub some lanolin or other plant protection oil on the cut surfaces, as this will help keep out disease and encourage new growth.
You can also check to make sure the tree has plenty of mulch around it, as this can help to keep the trees’ roots cool and retain much needed moisture in the summer months.
Encouraging Growth
Weeping cherry trees need the right kind of management and support to keep them growing and healthy. After pruning, they will need regular watering, fertilization and
protection from pests and diseases. It is also important to make sure that your tree
has room to grow by cutting back other plants or trees that might be competing
for nutrients or sunlight.
Stimulating Flowering
When it comes to flowering, the amount of flowers a weeping cherry tree produces depends
on how much sunlight it receives. To maximize flower production, the tree should be pruned
to encourage adequate ventilation and the proper balance between sun and shade. Pruning
should be done lightly, with only dead or diseased branches removed, in order to preserve
the natural shape of the tree.
Using the Right Tools
When it comes to pruning a weeping cherry tree, it is important to use the right tools.
A pruning saw is especially useful for larger branches, and garden pruners should be used
for small size branches. For the most delicate branches, a pair of hand pruners will be
needed. It is also important to make sure that any tools that are used are sharp, in order
to prevent any ragged or uneven cuts.
Protecting the Tree
Disease and pests can cause serious damage to a weeping cherry tree, and so it is important
to take steps to prevent both. Before beginning any pruning, it is wise to check the tree
thoroughly for signs of disease or pests, and take the necessary steps to treat it. The
tree should also be protected from winter weather, as cold temperatures can kill or damage
the tree’s branches.
Watch YouTube Pruning Videos
Many of the most experienced gardeners rely on YouTube videos to learn about proper pruning
techniques. Watching pruning videos for a weeping cherry tree will give a comprehensive
view of all the best practices for pruning this type of tree. In addition to providing
visual examples of how to properly prune, these videos can also offer helpful tips and
advice on how to make the job easier.