Caring for Ornamental Cherry

Spring
A 2 to 3 inch layer of some attractive organic material spread on the soil over the roots of oriental cherry trees helps protect them. For more information see the file on Using Mulch.

Summer
Young cherry trees do not usually need watering except when they are first planted, when there is a drought, and in the late fall before the ground freezes for the winter. Well-established older trees need watering only in severe drought. For more information see the file About Watering Equipment

Fall
Oriental cherry trees need feeding only once a year in the first three to four years of being in place. In the fall sprinkle a slow-acting granular general purpose fertilizer on the soil under each tree out to 1 1/2 times the distance from the trunk to the ends of the branches (the drip line). For more information see Fertilizing Trees and Choosing Fertilizers.

Winter
Oriental cherry trees do not require routine pruning. However, they readily accept pretty hard trimming if they are formed into hedges. Of course, it is important to prune away the occasional dead or diseased branch. Remove all suckers and watersprouts that occur below the graft union, as these will be vertical (rather than weeping) in their growth habit and will destroy the character of the tree. For more information see Pruning Shade and Flowering Trees and Choosing Pruning Tools