The Complete Guide to Pruning Weeping Cherry Trees

Ah, spring – a time of renewal and blooming beauty. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, we are treated to the sight of daffodils, tulips, and the majestic weeping cherry trees bursting into colorful blossom.

The mesmerizing display of pink and white petals cascading from the weeping branches of these trees is truly a sight to behold. But to ensure that these trees maintain their graceful form and continue to bloom magnificently, it is essential to know how and when to prune them.

In this comprehensive guide to growing weeping cherry trees, we will delve into the art of pruning these iconic trees for optimal health and beauty.

How to Prune Weeping Cherries

Table of Contents

Pruning weeping cherry trees is not just about aesthetics – it is crucial for maintaining the health and vitality of the tree. By pruning these ornamental trees, you can encourage flowering, prevent disease, and ensure that they maintain their characteristic weeping form.

Here’s what we will cover in this guide:

Why You Should Prune
When to Prune Weeping Cherries
Tools Required
A Note on Reversion
The Pruning Process

So, grab your pruners and let’s get started on transforming your weeping cherry tree into a flourishing masterpiece.

Why You Should Prune

Pruning ornamental cherry trees, such as weeping cherries, is essential for several reasons. Unlike fruiting trees, these trees are pruned to maintain their shape, promote flowering, and prevent the rootstock from overtaking the scion.

Weeping cherries are often grafted, with one tree serving as the rootstock and another as the scion. Pruning helps to prevent reversion, where the rootstock branches out and disrupts the weeping form of the tree.

When to Prune Weeping Cherries

The best time to prune weeping cherry trees is in the fall, as they enter dormancy. This is usually after the leaves have dropped but before the onset of winter. Pruning during this time allows the tree to heal before the harsh winter weather sets in.

If you miss the fall window, you can also prune in early spring before the branches start to bud out. Avoid pruning during freezing temperatures, as frozen wood can lead to ragged cuts and potential damage to the tree.

Young trees may require annual pruning to shape them as they grow, while mature trees may only need occasional touch-ups.

Tools Required

Before you start pruning, make sure you have the necessary tools handy. You will need a pair of secateurs or bypass pruners for smaller branches and a saw or lopper for larger branches. If you need to reach high branches, a pole saw or ladder will come in handy.

Remember to clean your tools before use to prevent the spread of pathogens. Wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol or a bleach solution to ensure they are free from contaminants.

A Note on Reversion

One common issue with grafted weeping cherries is reversion, where the rootstock attempts to overtake the scion. This results in branches growing upright rather than in a weeping form. To prevent reversion, promptly remove any branches that deviate from the weeping shape.

The Pruning Process

When it comes to pruning weeping cherry trees, there are a few key steps to follow:

Remove Suckers: These are sprouts that emerge from the base of the tree and divert energy from the main branches. Remove them close to the ground or trunk to maintain the tree’s vigor.
Trim Dead or Diseased Branches: Identify and remove any dead, diseased, or pest-infested branches to prevent the spread of disease.
Address Tight Crotch Branches: Branches with tight crotches, where two branches emerge from the same spot, should be thinned out to promote healthy growth.
Maintain Shape: Finally, prune back branches as needed to maintain a pleasing shape and size. Avoid removing more than a third of the branches at once to prevent stress on the tree.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your weeping cherry tree remains healthy and vibrant year after year.

Give Your Weeping Cherry a Glow Up

Pruning weeping cherry trees is a simple yet rewarding task that can elevate the beauty of your garden. With a little care and attention, you can transform your weeping cherry tree into a stunning focal point.

What do you love most about your weeping cherry tree? Do you have any pruning tips to share? Let us know in the comments below.

I hope this guide has been helpful in your journey to cultivate beautiful weeping cherry trees. For more information on growing cherry trees and caring for your garden, check out these additional guides: