How to Take Care of a Weeping Cherry Tree

The weeping cherry tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. Known for their cascading, arching branches, they’re also incredibly easy to care for. In fact, they can thrive even in challenging soil conditions. Whether you’re planting your own weeping cherry tree or buying a transplant, it’s important to follow these tips for taking care of this attractive shrub.

Water and Fertilize

Weeping cherries prefer light, loamy soils with good drainage. In order to ensure the right amount of moisture, give your weeping cherry a few waterings each week for the first few months after planting. When you’re ready to fertilize, wait until the second year after planting to give the plant time to get accustomed to its new home.

Regular Pruning

To maintain the weeping form of the tree, you need to prune it regularly. It will help to keep it in a uniform shape, remove diseased or damaged branches, and trim suckers growing at the base of the tree. It will also keep pests and diseases away from the tree, allowing it to grow healthy and strong.

Pay special attention to the central section of the plant, as this area can become entangled and block air circulation. It’s best to thin these tangled areas out so that air can circulate freely.

Removing these tangled branches will keep the weeping cherry in a balanced, symmetrical shape and prevent disease issues from developing. It’s also best to cut back any shoots emerging from the graft scar, which is where the weeping branches were grafted onto the rootstock of the tree.

Combat Weeping Cherry Pests

Inspect the weeping cherry tree regularly for signs of insect infestation. Insects like scale, spider mites, and aphids can all attack your weeping cherry trees. Treating these infestations quickly will help to control them and keep your weeping cherry tree healthy.

Use a Soil Probe to Test Your Weeping Cherry’s Moisture Level

If you notice that your weeping cherry tree is not getting enough water, check its soil for moisture. A soil probe is a narrow metal rod that can be inserted into the ground to measure how deep the soil dries out. You can also try staking the weeping cherry tree to make sure that it has adequate support during its growth cycle.

Stakes help to stabilize the tree, and they can also encourage it to grow straighter. If you don’t use a stake, your weeping cherry may topple over or snap.

Apply a Mulch

A thick mulch around the base of the weeping cherry tree will protect it from harsh winters and keep weeds under control. In addition, it will add nutrients to the soil and increase its ability to retain moisture.

If your weeping cherry tree is suffering from fungus, spray it with a fungicide. This will kill the fungus and prevent future problems. In addition, you can apply horticultural oil to the affected tree, which will help it to fight off disease and keep its leaves healthy.