{"id":22100,"date":"2023-12-18T00:30:21","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T22:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/?p=22100"},"modified":"2023-12-18T00:30:21","modified_gmt":"2023-12-17T22:30:21","slug":"how-to-plant-a-japanese-cherry-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.branchthetree.com\/how-to-plant-a-japanese-cherry-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Plant A Japanese Cherry Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"
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1. Basics of Planting a Japanese Cherry Tree<\/h2>\n

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.
\nIn 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.
\nEach 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.<\/p>\n

2. Watering and Mulching<\/h2>\n

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.
\nA 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. <\/p>\n

3. Pruning<\/h2>\n

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.
\nPruning 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. <\/p>\n

4. Insects and Diseases<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5. Fertilizing <\/h2>\n