If you have a cherry tree, it can be confusing trying to figure out when and how to prune it, as each type – flowering cherries and fruiting cherries (including sweet and acid types) – needs a slightly different approach. However, the benefits to your tree’s health, including more fruit and flowers, are very noticeable, so it’s definitely worth learning how to do it properly. We asked our fruit tree growers to make the process of pruning cherry trees clearer for us: here’s their step by step guide.
Ornamental cherry trees are prized for their gorgeous blooms that announce the arrival of spring. But to keep your tree thriving and floriferous year after year, timely pruning is essential. Pruning encourages blooming, removes unhealthy growth, and shapes the canopy. Follow this guide to learn when to prune your ornamental cherry tree and techniques for success.
Why Pruning is Important for Ornamental Cherry Trees
Pruning provides several key benefits for ornamental cherry trees
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Promotes flowering and fruit production Removing spent blooms and thinning interior branches allows more sunlight to penetrate and stimulates the growth of new flower buds
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Improves tree structure and health. Getting rid of crossed, dying, or pest-infested branches prevents injuries and disease. This helps the tree grow stronger.
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Enhances aesthetics. Pruning helps maintain a balanced canopy shape and natural form. It opens up views of the unique branching patterns and trunks.
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Reduces safety hazards. Removing weak, hanging branches prevents breakage and damage during storms.
Optimal Time to Prune Ornamental Cherry Trees
Timing is crucial when it comes to pruning ornamental cherry trees. Here are the prime windows:
Early Spring
The optimal time is early spring, before the tree leafs out. In most regions, this falls between late February and early April. The benefits include:
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The lack of foliage makes it easier to spot and remove dead or damaged branches.
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Cuts heal quickly as growth resumes.
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Removes branches that may harbor overwintering pests and diseases.
After Flowering
You can also prune immediately after flowering. This prevents removing branches that would bear the next season’s blooms.
Late Fall
Avoid pruning in late fall. The cuts may not heal properly before winter dormancy, allowing decay.
Signs Your Ornamental Cherry Tree Needs Pruning
Look for these cues that it’s time to prune your ornamental cherry:
- Dead, broken, or crossing branches
- Lackluster flowers or sparse leaf growth
- Thick interior growth that blocks sunlight
- Asymmetric, unbalanced shape
Routine pruning every 2-3 years keeps most ornamental cherries thriving.
How to Prune an Ornamental Cherry Tree
Follow these tips for successful pruning:
Choose the Right Tools
Bypass pruners, loppers, and pruning saws make clean cuts without crushing stems. Ensure blades are sharp.
Start by Removing Damaged Growth
Clear out dead, diseased, broken, and pest-infested branches first. Cut back to healthy wood.
Thin Interior Growth
This opens up the canopy to sunlight and air circulation. But don’t overdo it.
Shape and Balance
Step back periodically and check for symmetry as you prune.
Disinfect Tools
Wipe tools with isopropyl alcohol between trees to avoid spreading disease.
Make Proper Pruning Cuts
Prune just above outward facing buds or branches. Angle cuts down and away.
Aftercare Tips for Pruned Ornamental Cherry Trees
Once you’ve pruned your ornamental cherry tree, follow these care tips:
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Water thoroughly if rainfall is lacking after pruning. This prevents stress and aids healing.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to nurture new growth.
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Monitor for pests like aphids that may target tender new shoots.
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Stake branches of younger trees if needed to prevent breakage as foliage fills out.
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Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
The Rewards of Pruning Ornamental Cherry Trees
While pruning requires some time and effort, the rewards are plentiful. You’ll enjoy:
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Abundant spring blooms that dazzle against the backdrop of fresh foliage.
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A cherry tree with a strong structure better able resist storms and pests.
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An ornamental focal point gracing your landscape with graceful, balanced beauty.
Pruning is a vital task for keeping your ornamental cherry tree healthy and looking its best. By learning proper technique and timing, you can help your tree thrive for years of enjoyment. Bring on the blossoms!
Pruning fruiting cherry trees
Pruning your cherry tree will help to increase the amount of fruit, keep it well shaped for healthy growth and reduce the risk of disease. If we didn’t prune these trees, they would naturally grow lots of thin, leafy stems instead of putting their energy into fruit production.
Pruning fruiting cherry trees in pots
Because they’re smaller, dwarf cherry trees in pots don’t need as much pruning as their full sized versions. The only pruning you should need to do is to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and any that are crossing over or growing inward. As the tree grows, you can also reduce the length of the branches a little to keep the tree small enough for its space. If you’re doing this, always make a clean, slanted cut just before a healthy bud.
This should be done in late summer or when the tree has finished fruiting.
How and When to Prune Cherry Blossom Trees || Quick & Easy Guide
FAQ
What time of year can you trim a cherry tree?
The research I have done so far is telling that when making major cuts to sweet cherry trees, it is best to do it in summer-to-late summer so the tree has a …
When to prune ornamental trees?
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Late Winter/Early Spring (Before Bud Break):
- This timing allows for easy viewing of the tree’s structure and branches, as there are no leaves obscuring the view.
- Pruning wounds heal quickly during this period as the tree starts to mobilize stored sugars for new growth.
- It’s a good time to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and to shape the tree for better structure and air circulation.
- Exception: For trees that bloom in the spring, prune after they finish flowering to avoid removing flower buds for the next year’s bloom.
- This timing allows for easy viewing of the tree’s structure and branches, as there are no leaves obscuring the view.
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After Flowering (for Spring-Blooming Trees):
- Pruning after spring blooms allows the tree to focus on developing new growth and setting flower buds for the following year.
- Pruning after spring blooms allows the tree to focus on developing new growth and setting flower buds for the following year.
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Summer Pruning:
- Avoid heavy pruning in summer as it can stress the tree and promote weak growth that may not harden off before winter.
- You can remove dead, damaged or diseased branches at any time of year, but avoid heavy pruning in the summer.
- Avoid heavy pruning in summer as it can stress the tree and promote weak growth that may not harden off before winter.
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General Tips:
- Always remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Prune to maintain the tree’s natural shape and promote good air circulation.
- Consider the tree’s growth habits and flowering times when pruning.
- When in doubt, err on the side of less pruning, especially for trees that are not in need of major restructuring.
- Always remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
How long do ornamental cherry trees live?
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General Lifespan:While some sources mention shorter lifespans (15-20 years), most ornamental cherry trees can live for 20 to 40 years.
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Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- Variety: Different cultivars have varying lifespans.
- Environmental Conditions: Stressors like drought, poor soil, and diseases can shorten their lifespan.
- Care: Proper planting, watering, and maintenance are crucial for a long and healthy life.
- Variety: Different cultivars have varying lifespans.
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Examples of Ornamental Cherry Trees:
- Yoshino Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Tsubaki’): Known for its abundant spring blooms, Yoshino cherries can live for 80 to 100 years with proper care.
- Japanese Flowering Cherries (Prunus serrulata): These trees, with their single or double blossoms, are generally short-lived, with some cultivars lasting only 15 to 20 years.
- Yoshino Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Tsubaki’): Known for its abundant spring blooms, Yoshino cherries can live for 80 to 100 years with proper care.
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Common Problems:Ornamental cherry trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases, which can shorten their lifespan if not managed properly.
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Pruning and Maintenance:Regular pruning, removal of water sprouts and suckers, and proper mulching can help promote healthy growth and longevity.
Why are the leaves on my ornamental cherry tree turning brown?
Cherry trees are very sensitive to wet soil conditions. If the soil stayed wet during the recent rainy period the tree definitely could have drown. The symptoms (all leaves turning brown in a short period) are consistent with sudden root death that can be caused by prolonged wet soil conditions.