As the time of year that marks the return of the warmer weather and the sprouting of flowers and greenery approaches, a new house addition comes to mind: a cherry blossom tree. Whether it be for an event or a simple backyard extract, cherry blossom tree planting is becoming increasingly popular for people looking for a spot of style. From its intricate white blooms to its color changing leaves in autumn, its not hard to see why.
Cherry blossom trees are a traditional tree type, which have been planted in gardens and gardens around the world for centuries. It is speculated the earliest cherry blossom trees were planted in western countries in the 16th century. Unlike other ornamental trees, the grapefruit tree has grown mainly as an addition to gardens, to make them more beautiful. Depending on the variety of tree, cherry blossom tree branches can spread as far as ⅔ of a meter.
Extensive research by conservationists and horticulturists has revealed some strategies for successful planting. Mainly, it’s recommended that the tree be planted during early Spring or towards the end of the Fall season. Planting it at these times gives it a better chance of survival due to the diluted levels of insect activity and sun exposure, respectively. It is also important to ensure the area you wish to plant it has proper lighting, is well drained, and is mostly level with very little slope.
One key thing to keep in mind with planting a cherry blossom tree is the initial setting process. It is advised that the tree’s root be well hydrated before planting, as this will help it become used to the environment quickly. In addition, choosing the right fertilizer and ensuring the soil is of a suitable quality is critical to a healthy outcome in the following months. To get the best results, an analysis of the soil and mineral levels is highly recommended.
By taking some time to consider the proper climate and environmental issues that come with a cherry blossom tree’s planting, the potential for success rises exponentially. Such an effort can not only leave the space with a vibrant, eye-catching tree, but goes a long way in improving the atmosphere and look of a space.
Soil Improvement
One of the foundations for a successful planting of a cherry blossom tree is by ensuring the soil the tree will be planted in is at an optimum level of fertility. Soil should not be overly acidic and should follow a pH balance of at least 6-7. In addition, levels of fertilizers including phosphorus and nitrogen should not be too high, as this can lead to the tree needing more root support than it is capable of providing.
If, however, the soil is not in the desired state of health, steps can be taken to improve its quality and make it more suitable for the planting of a cherry blossom tree. Adding certain additives can take a soil from an unhealthy state to one that is ideal for landscaping. Many of these additives, such as compost and organic matter, are available in your local gardening shop and are very simple to produce at home.
Once soil improvement is established, a new layer of topsoil can be added and flattened over. This should fix the surface, providing an even and attractive space for the cherry blossom tree to be planted in. After the soil is fixed and well prepared, it’s time to move onto the planting process.
Positioning the Tree
Once the soil has been improved and it is at a suitable level of fertility, the next job is to ensure the cherry blossom tree is placed in the right area. As cherry blossom trees are traditionally stood upright, in a more vertical form than other trees, finding the ideal location is key. Areas that are both shaded and mottled with some direct light are best to prevent any issues with the stability of the tree.
In addition, it is important that the tree is not overly exposed to direct sunlight as this can lead to it struggling over time. The outdoor temperature should also be taken into consideration. Cherry blossom trees prefer temperatures around the 20-degree Celsius mark, as these temperatures help the tree flourish and thrive in the best way possible.
Watering and Root Development
A crucial point for successfully planting a cherry blossom tree is making sure the root of the tree is properly developed before planting. This means that water should be, to some extent, supplied to the root directly through a pipe or nozzle. Doing this will help the tree to become acclimated to the new environment and the amount of water needed for it to become healthy.
Once the tree has been planted, the same water system should be kept in operation to ensure the tree gets the right amount of hydration. Of course, this can vary depending on the season and weather, but in general, keeping a watering system ensures the tree gets the best chance at survival.
Additional Pruning
While cherry blossom trees do not need an extensive amount of regular pruning, taking the time to prune any dead, diseased, or weak branches can be vital in providing optimized growth. By regularly removing any of these branches, the tree will have more nutrients and energy to sustain itself and create vibrant blooms at the same time.
Any additional pruning should be done in either early Spring or at the end of Fall as these times have the least amount of insect activity, which can be harmful and difficult to remove once inside. As a whole, pruning not only encourages the healthy growth of the tree, but is also essential in helping the cherry blossom tree reach its peak state.
After Planting Care
Despite being planted correctly and having met all the prerequisites of environmental and environmental conditions, there is still a need for after care. This is because no tree is perfect and there will always be the potential for the tree to be under attack from aphids, diseases, mites, or any number of other things.
In order to fight off these potential problems, a number of pest control techniques, such as spraying or dipping, can be employed. In addition, mulching and composting, either in the form of homemade soil or garden compost, are critical in keeping the tree healthy, especially in the winter months. By doing this, the cherry blossom tree is not only given the best chance of survival, but will also add to the overall aesthetic of the landscape.
Pest Control
As is the case with any type of tree, pests can become an issue and as such, taking action to prevent them is essential in maintaining a healthy tree. While spraying and dipping with insecticides is one option, there are a number of more natural solutions that can be employed.
The most common natural defense is to plant companion plants near the cherry blossom tree, such as marigolds or nasturtiums. For further protection, horticulturists have stated that placing a layer of crushed eggshells around the base of the tree helps to repel bugs. In addition, encouraging the presence of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can be useful in keeping unwanted pests away.
Fertilizing the Tree
After the tree has been planted correctly and all of the other steps have been taken, there is one final task to be done: fertilizing. This is because, as it stands, the soil the tree is planted in will be deficient of vital nutrients needed for prolonged growth of the tree. In order to ensure the tree is getting the sufficient levels of nutrients, it is highly advised to add some form of fertilizer regularly throughout the year.
The best kind of fertilizer for a cherry blossom tree is an organic fertilizer as this helps reduce the amount of waste build-up and also helps to provide valuable nutrients to the tree. Fertilizing the tree should be done two to three times a year and should be done at least two weeks after the tree has been planted. Doing so will help the tree to flourish and reach its potential.
Using the Right Tools
One of the most important parts of planting a cherry blossom tree is having the right tools. Regularly used landscaping tools such as shovels, trowels, and spades are all important in making sure the planting is done correctly. When it comes to selecting the right tools for the job, it is important that the tools are sharp and are of a high quality.
The purpose of using high-quality tools is that it reduces the risk of damage to the soil while planting. Poor quality tools can be dangerous and lead to soil being unnecessarily disturbed and compacted. In addition, they can cause damage to the root of the tree, which can prove to be fatal in the longer term.
Calculating the Space Needed
Before planting a cherry blossom tree, it is important to make sure that the spacing between the tree and other trees is taken into consideration and is of an ample amount. This is because cherry blossom trees tend to have quite a large spread, so it’s important that ample space is left for the tree to freely grow in order to flourish heavier and more freely. To do this, an area measurement of at least ⅔ of a meter away from other trees and plants should be taken and left.
In addition, measuring the height of the tree before planting is also an important step in being sure the tree is able to reach its desired height without being impeded by surrounding plants. In some cases, a cutting down of bushes or trees may be necessary to give the cherry blossom tree enough space to grow to its fullest potential.
