{"id":21843,"date":"2023-12-25T10:15:10","date_gmt":"2023-12-25T08:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=21843"},"modified":"2023-12-25T10:15:10","modified_gmt":"2023-12-25T08:15:10","slug":"when-to-cut-back-weeping-cherry-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/when-to-cut-back-weeping-cherry-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"When To Cut Back Weeping Cherry Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Reasons To Prune Weeping Cherry Trees<\/h2>\n

It’s natural to think that pruning a tree has the same goal – to reduce its size. But when it comes to the weeping cherry tree, the art of pruning can serve a much more intricate purpose. Pruning is an essential step taken to protect the tree’s health, while also allowing it to have a better shape and maximize its bloom potential. Pruning can help to improve its eye appeal, allowing the tree to properly develop its branches.
\nWeeping cherry tree branches are prone to breakage and wind damage due to their heavy blooms and long, easily-weakened branches drooping to the ground. The sooner you prune your tree, the easier it’ll be for it to properly develop its branches, become more resistant against the weight of its flower clusters, and reduce the risk of breakage.
\nExperts agree that the best time to prune a weeping cherry tree is in the late spring or early summer, when the tree has finished flowering but is still in its active growing stage. If the tree has been neglected and the branches are old and large, pruning during the dormant season (winter) is also advised. <\/p>\n

Tools And Techniques Used To Prune Weeping Cherry Trees<\/h2>\n

When it comes to pruning, there’s a variety of techniques used depending on the shape of the tree.
\nThe most common pruning techniques used for a weeping cherry tree are heading cuts and thinning cuts. Heading cuts remove the entire branch or part of a branch, usually performed on young trees. Thinning cuts are usually the main practice for older trees, where select branches and twigs are removed to reduce the overall size of the tree.
\nIt’s best to use pruning shears to cut small- to medium-sized branches, a handsaw for larger branches, and anvil-type or bypass shears or a lopper\/saw combination tool for different sizes of branches. <\/p>\n

Additional Tips To Prune Weeping Cherry Trees<\/h2>\n

Here are some additional tips to remember when pruning a weeping cherry tree –
\n-Choose branches that are crisscrossing or rubbing against each other.
\n-Avoid heading cuts unless absolutely necessary, as this could lead to an unnatural-looking tree.
\n-Don’t be afraid to go back and adjust your cuts.
\n-Make sure to wear protective gear, such as goggles and protective clothing, when using sharp tools.
\n-Avoid pruning close to the graft.
\n-Be sure to remove any broken or dead branches throughout the year, as these can easily spread disease and attract pests.
\n– never remove more than 1\/4 of the canopy at any one time.
\n-Finally, try to keep the top of the tree slightly higher than the sides. <\/p>\n

What To Avoid When Pruning Weeping Cherry Trees<\/h2>\n

When it comes to pruning a weeping cherry tree, there are some general rules that can’t be overlooked.
\nOne of the most essential steps taken when pruning a tree is making sure not to cut too much of it at one go. It’s best to remove no more than 1\/4 of the canopy at a given time. Also, never remove any part of the tree that’s already been damaged or weakened.
\nAdditionally, steer clear of cutting the buds on the upper part of the trunk even if they don’t have any visible shoots – this can cause a reduction in the number of sweet cherry fruits produced by the tree in the next year. <\/p>\n

Time To Prune<\/h2>\n