Cherry Trees

Cherry trees make a great addition to any landscape. These hardy little trees offer shade, windbreaks, delicious fruit, and exceptional beauty. That said, you can’t simply plant a cherry tree wherever you like without considering a few factors first. So, where are the best places to plant a cherry tree?

You can plant a cherry tree in a garden or lawn, by a road, near water, on the edge of your property, or with other trees. However, make sure any space you choose gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight and is at least 15ft, if not more, away from structures and other trees.

If you want to learn more about the potential benefits of planting a cherry tree—and where and how to do it—we’ve got you covered! Join us as we take a deeper look at whether or not a cherry tree would be the right choice for your garden.

Why Should You Plant A Cherry Tree In Your Yard?

Cherry trees can be a great addition to any yard or garden (provided you have the space for them, of course). Not only can you get delicious fruit from them if you select a suitable variety (more on that later), but these trees can provide quite a few other benefits as well.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best reasons to plant a cherry tree!

1. Cherry Trees Offer Shade And Shelter

One of the benefits of planting a cherry tree on your property is shade. With their tall growth habit and long branches, cherry trees provide excellent shade, making them a great choice for a front yard or backyard where you need an effective shade tree—and who dosen’t like shade? The shelter these trees can provide during the hot and sunny days makes them an excellent choice for any yard that can accommodate a tree of this size. 

Cherry trees can also provide shelter for local wildlife, creating homes for the birds in your region. That said, you may need to protect your tree from birds and rodents during the fruiting season. But despite this, cherry trees will bring in plenty of beautiful songbirds, which can brighten up any yard or garden with their presence!

Additionally, according to the National Audubon Society, attracting birds to your yard can be very beneficial. Not only can birds help with pest control (eating irritating and potentially harmful insects), but they are also a vital part of the ecosystem they inhabit.

2. You Can Add Beauty And Value To Your Property With A Cherry Tree

Whether fruit-producing or flowering ornamental, cherry trees are well known for their beauty. Even the varieties with an otherwise mundane appearance will typically exhibit absolutely gorgeous flower blooms during the springtime, which can add a great deal of beauty to your yard and garden.

Additionally, some research has shown that the presence of trees and other forms of vegetation can have a tangible positive effect on a person’s emotional and mental health.

Depending on where you live, adding any tree (including fruit trees) to your landscape can also increase the overall property value of your home. It may cost a little bit right now, but it could be a worthwhile investment in the future!

That said, you should know that cherry trees may not live as long as other fruit trees. On average, they’ll survive between ten to forty years. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, black cherry trees can live upwards of 250 years! Make sure to take age into account when making any long-term landscaping plans.

Should you desire further insight or inspiration when it comes to successfully incorporating a tree into your yard or garden and landscaping in general, books such as the Encyclopedia of Landscape Design: Planning, Building, and Planting Your Perfect Outdoor Space can prove to be an excellent resource.

3. There Are Several Varieties Of Cherry Tree To Choose From

In addition to being beautiful, cherry trees are popular because there are so many varieties to choose from. Whether you want a fruit-producing tree or strictly ornamental, there’s a cultivar out there that will suit your needs.

Some of the most popular fruit-producing cherry trees include bing, rainier, montmorency, morello, and lapins.

Like fruit-bearing trees, there are hundreds of ornamental cherry trees to choose from—however, some of the most popular ones include:

• Yoshino: known for its adaptability and lovely white blossoms
• Weeping Cherry: known for its drooping branches and white/pink flowers
• Kwanzan: know for its double blooms and vibrant pink color

Just be sure to research and find a tree that will grow in your area and has the right aesthetic for your landscape.

How To Pick The Perfect Area To Plant A Cherry Tree

As mentioned earlier, there’s more to planting and successfully growing a cherry tree than simply picking a spot randomly and putting your sapling in the ground. Not only do you need to factor in what the cherry tree needs to reach optimum growth potential and remain healthy, but you also need to consider the tree’s potential impact on everything around it. 

To better help you understand how to pick the right spot for your cherry tree, we’ll review some questions to ask yourself when you begin the process. 

How Big Will My Cherry Tree Grow? 

One of the most important things to remember when adding a cherry tree (or any fruit tree) to your landscape is that your sapling will grow. That might seem obvious, yet people will often add a tree to their landscape without determining how its size will change over time.

Cherry trees typically grow pretty tall and have wide-reaching branches. In fact, according to Clemson University, a Yoshino cherry tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and wide! But even smaller varieties can reach heights of 30 feet. Because of this, it’s important to consider how a tree that size could impact your yard, garden, house, and outbuildings.

Because of their height and the breath of their limbs, cherry trees are not suitable for planting near power lines or telephone poles. It’s also advised to plant a cherry tree at least thirty or forty feet away from your house to mitigate the risk of falling limbs damaging your home.

If you’re concerned about space, there are dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties available. Dwarf varieties of the popular Bing cultivar are particularly popular, usually reaching only twelve to fifteen feet in height while producing delicious cherries known for their sweet flavor and juiciness. 

How Much Sunlight Does A Cherry Tree Need?

When picking a location for your cherry tree, it’s important to factor in how much sunlight your tree needs to grow and remain healthy and choose an appropriate spot accordingly.

Cherry trees, in general, typically do best when they get full sun (take a look at our guide on why cherry trees need full sun if you’d like more info.) Subsequently, you should do your best to plant your cherry tree in a location where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct natural light every day. 

Avoid planting your tree in the shadow of your home or other trees. Doing this might impact how much natural light it gets, which could stunt or delay its growth.

How Large is the Root System of a Cherry Tree?

In addition to its size above ground, you’ll want to consider how big a tree will get below ground. After all, the root systems of trees can impact a wide variety of things, including (but not limited to) sidewalks, underground pipes, or even the foundation of your home.

The root system of a cherry tree can be expansive (sometimes stretching out over thirty square feet), so be sure to factor that in when planting your sapling. Make sure to place your cherry tree safely away from any underground utilities and paved areas that larger surface roots could potentially impact. 

The Best Places To Plant Cherry Trees On Your Property

While the location of where you plant your new cherry tree is ultimately up to you, we’ve listed here for you a few of what we consider to be the best places to plant a cherry tree. 

Naturally, depending upon the capacities and limitations of your property, not all of these ideas may be viable for you. Even so, we hope that these suggestions are helpful.

1. A Cherry Tree Can Add Something Special To A Garden

This type of tree adds a lot of beauty to a space, especially during the blooming season. Whether they serve as a centerpiece or something more on the outskirts, cherry trees make an excellent addition to any garden.

That being said, with their broad reach and leafy branches, most cherry trees cast quite a lot of shade in their immediate vicinity. As such, you must be mindful of the plants you attempt to grow under or near your cherry tree. 

Anything that requires full sun should probably not be planted close to your cherry tree since the shade from the tree will likely impact the amount of sunlight it can absorb, potentially stunting its growth. 

2. A Backyard Is A Great Place For A Large Cherry Tree

Cherry trees can be an excellent addition to any yard, with sufficient space to accommodate them. They can offer shade, beauty, and even fruit when grown correctly.

And (as discussed earlier) there are plenty of cultivars to choose from, giving you a wide range of options for selecting the right aesthetic for your backyard. Cherry trees can also provide shelter for local songbirds and other wildlife, helping to turn your backyard into a thriving ecosystem. 

Be aware, however, that if you are planting a cherry tree in the hopes of it bearing fruit, you may need to grow more than one solitary tree. Quite a few varieties of cherry trees are not self-pollinating, meaning that cross-pollination with another cherry tree is required for flower fertilization and fruit production. 

As such, you will need to plant at least two cherry trees in your backyard (unless, of course, there is someone else in your neighborhood with cherry trees). Alternatively, if you have sufficient space, you could plant one tree in your backyard and another in your front yard.

3. Larger Front Yards Can Accommodate Cherry Trees

Cherry trees can be an excellent choice for the front yard, especially if you want a particularly eye-catching tree during the spring. Depending on the design and coloring of your house, planting a cherry tree out front could be the perfect accent to your home’s external aesthetic. 

Just be careful where in your yard you plant the tree!

We already learned that cherry trees have root systems that can grow quite large, and they can damage paved areas. Be sure to take note of any driveways, walkways, or public sidewalks in the area and plant your tree safely away from these types of infrastructures.

4. Cherry Trees Can Provide Privacy At The Edge Of Your Property

A cherry tree can be an excellent choice for a border tree on the edge of your property. Their branches provide a windbreak, and they can keep nosey neighbors from seeing into your yard.

That being said, it’s important to remember that their long branches are prone to breaking and falling if they take too much wind damage. The last thing you want is your tree falling into a neighbor’s yard and damaging their property. 

Because of this, when planting a cherry tree on your property line, you should be mindful of how close that tree is to your neighbor’s land. If damage to their yard is possible, plant the tree farther back on your side of the property line. 

5. Block Road Noise With Cherry Trees

Planting a cherry tree near the road can offer some of the same benefits as growing it near the property line you share with a neighbor. Specifically, a tree between you and a nearby road can provide privacy from passing cars while also providing some insulation from the wind and road noise.

However, there are a few things to consider when planting a cherry tree in such a location. The foremost of which is the presence of power lines.

If a tree grows too close to a power line, its branches can become entangled—especially during stormy weather. Because of this, try to avoid planting your cherry tree anywhere near power or utility lines of any kind. 

And remember, even if your cherry tree sapling is small when you plant it, several species can grow to great sizes with wide-reaching branches. As such, you should err on the side of caution when planting your tree near power lines and ensure there’s plenty of space for your tree to grow without posing any safety risks. 

Pruning an established tree can help you avoid problems. Formore information, check out our guide explaining how to prune a cherry tree!

6. Cherry Trees Look Gorgeous Near Water

A pond can be a wonderful addition to any landscape in and of itself, but even more so when you put a tree nearby. Cherry trees, in particular, can be an excellent choice for planting in such a location because the reflections on the surface of a nearby pond often accentuate the beauty of their blossoms.

But be sure to check the type of soil around your pond (and its overall quality) before planting a cherry tree.

According to the California Foundation For Agriculture In The Classroom,  cherry trees typically grow best in deep, well-drained loamy soils. If the soil around your pond doesn’t have good drainage, consider planting your cherry tree somewhere else to avoid root rot and other related conditions. 

Cherry trees aren’t the only tress that looks nice near water. To learn more, here are some reasons why you should plant weeping willows near water!

7. Plant Your Cherry Tree Near Other Trees

Because their bright springtime blooms add a splash of color to your yard, cherry trees can be a great addition to your landscape—even if you have other trees on your property!

Additionally, planting multiple trees will ensure pollination occurs, which is essential if you’re planting fruit-bearing trees that cannot self-pollinate.

Just remember that cherry trees (and most other trees) need plenty of room to grow. Smaller plants and shrubs may be okay, but keep at least twenty feet between a cherry tree and other full-size trees (or anything that requires full sun).

Leaving space helps mitigate competition for resources between the trees while also ensuring that your cherry trees aren’t crowded and are getting plenty of sunlight.

How To Plant A Cherry Tree

While where to plant your cherry tree is open to a bit of debate, how to plant a cherry tree is not. Regardless of where you grow your tree, there are some key things to keep in mind once it’s time to put your sapling into the ground.

Alright, let’s learn how to plant a cherry tree!

Step 1: Select Your Tree And Your Plant Site

You have to have a tree to plant it, and choosing the right tree is just as important as selecting the perfect place to grow it. 

Your first step should be researching different cherry trees so that you can choose a species that will respond well to your climate. Additionally, take the time to ask yourself why you want the tree. Are you hoping to harvest fruit someday, or is the tree to enhance your landscape?

Another goal in this step is to find a suitable growing location. Remember, cherry trees prefer full sun and deep soil with good drainage, so choose your planting area accordingly. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Cherry Tree Sapling For Planting

Once you’ve chosen your tree and planting site, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing to plant your young tree. Please be aware the specifics of this stage can vary slightly depending on whether your tree arrives with bare roots or in a container. 

Trees that arrive with bare roots should be soaked in water for an hour or two before planting. In contrast, trees that come in a container should be watered, then removed from that container so you can loosen up the roots before planting. 

When loosening the roots, do your best not to damage or bend them unnaturally since this could impact the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients after transplant. 

Step 3: Put Your Sapling Into The Ground

For cherry trees to develop correctly, they need to be able to spread their roots out. When planting your tree, make sure the hole you dig is big enough to accommodate the entire root ball without crushing or squeezing the roots together. 

Additionally, you can use the graft union on the tree’s trunk to gauge how deep to dig your hole. According to Ohio State University, the graft union is essentially a scar that forms where the scion and rootstock are fused. You can recognize it by its bumpy ridge-like appearance.

Generally, it’s recommended that the graft union of a standard-size tree sit a couple of inches below the soil level, while the graft union of smaller dwarf trees goes a few inches above the soil level.

Once your sapling is in the ground, carefully fill the hole with dirt. Finish by gently tapping down the soil to eliminate any excess air that might cause problems later.

Step 4: Give Your Sapling Love And Care

Once your cherry tree is in the ground, give it a head start with some love and attention.

Start by giving it a deep soaking—a layer of DIY pine needle mulch added to the topsoil will help increase moisture retention. Because new trees need more water than established trees, you should continue to water the sapling once a day for at least two weeks. After two weeks, you can reduce it to every two to three days.

Additionally, it’s strongly recommended not to fertilize your cherry tree during the first few weeks after transplant since the roots at this stage will be slightly too young and sensitive.

Mature trees can withstand powerful winds, but young trees may bend or break. If you live in an area with strong winds, or your sapling is particularly young, consider staking your cherry tree.

Staking a tree can be a chore, but kits like this Heavy Duty Tree Stake Kit make it much easier!

Things To Watch Out For When Planting A Cherry Tree

There are several things to watch for when planting a cherry tree—and we’ve got you covered!

Although safety’s important when trimming around any tree, you should take special care when mowing around a young tree. According to Purdue University, lawn equipment damage to roots and bark can be dangerous to a tree’s overall health and well-being.

During fruiting season, you may need to protect your tree from opportunistic birds and rodents. This Plastic Garden Netting from Ruolan can help by covering your tree and making it less accessible to hungry wildlife.

Remember to plant your cherry tree a safe distance away from your home, paved areas such as sidewalks and driveways, power and utility lines, underground pipes, and any other structures that falling branches or encroaching roots might damage.

Finally, avoid planting your tree in soil with poor drainage, and take care not to damage the roots when transplanting the young sapling into your lawn or garden.

Should you desire a more thorough guide on growing and caring for cherry trees, books such as Growing Fruit Trees: Novel Concepts and Practices For Successful Care and Management can be very helpful in understanding the intricacies of the matter.

That’s All We’ve Got!

And there we have it! We hope you’ve found this article helpful and informative; as you can see, cherry trees can be a great addition to any landscape. 

And remember, some of the best places to plant a cherry tree include (but are not limited to):

• In your garden
• In your backyard
• In your front yard
• On the edge of your property
• Near the road
• By a pond
• With other trees

Of course, as discussed earlier, where specifically you choose to plant your tree is contingent upon several factors, such as:

• How much sun the tree needs
• How much space it needs to grow (both above ground and below ground)
• Whether it will potentially impact any buildings, power lines, utilities, paved areas, or other types of property or infrastructure

And as always, we strongly recommend consulting a professional if you have any further questions or concerns. Arborists and fruit tree specialists can offer a wealth of knowledge when it comes to caring for cherry trees and will be more than happy to assist you if you have any questions. 

If you’re thinking about planting a cherry tree for shade, but don’t want to wait for it to grow, check out these fast growing shade trees for large yards!

References

Blodgett, E. C. E. C., Johnson, D. A. D. A., Grove, G. G., & Beers, E. H. E. H. (1990). Why cherry trees die.

Mircetich, S. M., & Matheron, M. E. (1976). Phytophthora root and crown rot of cherry trees. Phytopathology, 66(5), 549-558.

Patten, K. D., & Proebsting, E. L. (1986). Effect of different artificial shading times and natural light intensities on the fruit quality of ‘Bing’sweet cherry. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 111(3), 360-363.

Ulrich, R. S. (1986). Human responses to vegetation and landscapes. Landscape and urban planning, 13, 29-44.

Cherry trees have amazing blooms and delicious fruit, making them an excellent choice to plant in the yard. When choosing a place to plant a cherry tree in your yard, it’s important to take into consideration how much sunlight the area gets, as cherry trees do best in full sun conditions.

Cherry trees grow best in full sun because it increases their growth rate, flower production, and fruit production. Sunny locations help dry the branches and leaves after rainfall. Full sunlight is necessary for the temperature to be warm enough for your cherry tree to break dormancy in the spring.

Read on to learn all about why cherry trees grow best in full sun. We’ll also go over how to give your indoor cherry tree enough light and what happens if your cherry tree gets too much or too little sun.

Why Cherry Trees Grow Best In Full Sunlight

When it comes to cherry trees, you have plenty of options to choose from. There are sweet cherry, sour cherry, and flowering cherry trees.

Each of these trees has unique characteristics that make them appealing. For our purposes, we’re going to lump them all together and simply refer to them as “cherry trees.“

However, if there are any significant differences, we’ll note them!

Sunlight is essential to all life, including people, animals, plants, and trees! Most trees benefit from being planted in full to partial sun to photosynthesize.

Cherry trees grow BEST in full sunlight, getting at least 6 hours of sun per day. There are a few reasons why cherry trees prefer full sun over partial or full shade. 

Let’s check out the specifics!

Cherry Trees Grow Faster In Full Sun

Every plant has a specific habitat where it grows best in. A tropical palm tree will not survive harsh Montana winters, and a very cold-hardy Norway spruce cannot survive in the hot Arizona desert.

Cherry trees have their favorite habitats and will grow much faster when given proper soil, water, and sun.

Sunlight is the most important trigger for a tree to begin photosynthesis. 

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as soon as the sun touches the leaves, chemicals called light-harvesting complexes get all excited and sound the alarm to start photosynthesis.

What exactly is photosynthesis and why does it influence a tree’s growth? 

Photosynthesis produces sugars that feed the tree. It’s the equivalent of when our parents always told us that eating will make us grow up big and strong.

A study reported in the Journal of Photosynthesis Research found that, unsurprisingly, the more sun a leaf gets, the higher the rate of photosynthesis.

The more sugars that cherry trees produce, the more energy they have to grow. This means a stronger trunk, taller branches, wider branches, and an overall healthier cherry tree.

Cherry Trees Bloom Better In Full Sun

While growing tall and having stronger branches is a huge benefit, full sun conditions also promote a higher number of flowers on cherry trees.

Cherry trees will bloom better in full sun, but this isn’t true of ALL plants. Shade-loving plants like begonias and primrose will struggle to bloom with too much sun.

Weird, right? What makes some plants benefit from sunshine while others wilt?

It mostly has to do with where the plant is found in the wild. Some plants like ferns and mountain laurels are used to being in the understory, beneath a thick canopy of trees. These plants have adapted to shady conditions.

Others, like cherry trees, are used to being out in the open in full sun or else towering over other trees in a mixed forest stand. 

Birds have a lot to do with why cherry trees hog all the sunlight in forests. Birds eat the fruit of cherry trees and help disperse the seeds all over the place. As long as there is adequate sunlight, cherry trees will sprout right up and take over!

Cherry trees aren’t unique due to the fact that birds help spread their seeds. However, there are some other cherry tree facts that might surprise you! Did you know that cherry blossoms actually don’t smell (at least not as strongly as tradition might imply?)

Cherry Trees Produce More Fruit In Full Sun

Cherry trees take advantage of every bit of sunlight to improve their growth, flowering, and fruit production.

Similar to how more sunlight means a faster growth rate, more sunlight also means more fruit! There are a few reasons why cherry trees produce more fruit in full sun:

• More energy: The more sun the cherry tree gets, the more ‘food’ the tree has. When cherry trees have tons of energy, they can focus on more than just surviving. They can grow faster and divert more energy to fruit production.
  
• Fewer pests: full sun conditions help dry out cherry trees faster than if they were located in a shady spot. This helps prevent pests from attacking the tree and destroying the fruit.

Almost all fruit trees do better in full sun, including cherry, plum, citrus, and apple trees. Selecting a sunny spot in the yard to plant your cherry tree is super important!

Sunny Conditions Promote A Healthier Cherry Tree

We mentioned a few times how sunlight will help dry off the branches and leaves of cherry trees. This is more important than you may think.

Wet branches and leaves create an environment where the tree may contract an ailment. They may not have the sniffles or sneeze, but there will be a few signs that they aren’t feeling well.

• Holes in leaves: Wet conditions will promote something called cherry leaf spot, sometimes referred to as cherry shot hole.
  
• Yellow leaves: yellow leaves are the next step in cherry leaf spot. According to the University of Maryland, soon after the leaves turn yellow they will drop from the tree.
  
• Brown flowers: If the flowers on your cherry tree are wilting and turning brown, it may be due to brown rot, a fungus that spreads rapidly in wet conditions.
  
• Cracked fruit: When water sits on the fruit for too long, it will crack, making the fruit unusable except to maybe feed to the birds.

Once your tree shows some of these signs, bugs will zero in on the problem areas and can wreak even more havoc on your cherry tree.

Water is a necessity for trees to survive, but too much water can be a problem. Planting your cherry tree in a sunny spot will help the entire tree dry out quicker after heavy rain.

Another way to keep your cherry tree from getting too wet is to properly prune it each year. Pruning thins out the branches, allowing for better air circulation and more sunlight.

There are some tree maintenance tasks you can do on your own. Here are some simple steps to prune your cherry tree.

Warm, Sunny Spots Help Cherry Trees Break Winter Dormancy

Believe it or not, some trees require cold temperatures to survive! Most (though not all) deciduous trees like require a certain number of days with cold temperatures, called a chilling requirement.

According to the University of California, sweet cherry trees require about a month of continuously chilly temperatures (below 45℉). Sour cherries need even longer chilling periods, around 50 days.

These are only approximations. Specific cultivars may have different chilling requirements. A study in the International Journal of Biometeorology found that chilling requirements may be as little as 17 days and as long as 102 days.

Now, what does chilling have to do with the sun and breaking winter dormancy?

Cherry trees need chilly temperatures followed by warm temperatures to trigger new growth and blooms. If cherry trees are growing in shady areas, they may get the order to break winter dormancy late.

Late winter dormancy break will mean:

• Slower growth
• Lower fruit yield
• Later and shorter bloom period

While it won’t necessarily harm your cherry tree to be planted in partial shade, it will struggle more than a cherry tree planted in full sun.

Sunlight Helps Shape Your Cherry Tree

The shape of a tree influences both its aesthetics and health. We all want our yard trees to look good, but we also want them to be healthy and strong so we don’t have to worry about falling branches or a messy yard full of leaves.

Sunlight is an important component of shaping your tree because new growth is always going to gravitate towards a sunny spot.

Have you ever planted something on your windowsill and noticed the plant begin to lean toward the window? 

The same concept can be applied to trees. They are going to try to grow toward the sunniest spot. When sunlight is available everywhere, your cherry tree will grow uniformly with an upright canopy.

If your cherry tree is in partial shade, there may be a few unwanted consequences:

• Lopsided tree: If sunlight is only available in a few concentrated spots, new growth will gravitate to these areas, creating a lopsided appearance.
  
• Weak branches: Branches that are not exposed to full sun may be weaker due to reaching. They also may not be attached as firmly to the trunk as branches located in sunny areas.
  
• Less uniform shade: Cherry trees make great shade trees, but if they are planted in shady conditions, the shade they provide will not be uniform and will not be as upright and spreading.

With plenty of sunlight, your cherry tree will grow into a vast, uniform canopy with strong branches that won’t make a mess in the yard.

Now, another benefit of having a cherry tree is that that make excellent shade trees in their own right! So shade isn’t all bad.

How To Give Indoor Cherry Trees Enough Sun

Not everyone has enough space in their yard to plant a full-grown cherry tree. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the wonderful blooms and fruit of a cherry tree, you just need a dwarf variety to grow indoors.

Growing cherry trees indoors is a little tricky, but with enough care and patience, you’ll be baking cherry pies and topping ice cream in no time!

To successfully grow an indoor cherry tree, it has to receive enough sunlight to grow, flower, and produce fruit.

Indoor sun isn’t really the same as outdoor sun because it’s filtered through a window. It’s recommended to put your potted cherry tree outside each day to get some much-needed sunshine.

Cherry trees typically require around 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. You can increase your cherry tree’s exposure to sunlight by placing it near a south-facing window while indoors.

Your cherry tree will not be very successful if you do not place it outdoors at certain times. There are two important reasons to put your indoor cherry tree out on the porch or balcony:

• Sunlight: Your cherry tree needs unfiltered, direct sunlight to properly grow. If you don’t place your cherry tree outside to get some sun, it’s going to struggle to grow and may not bloom or produce fruit.
  
• Chilling Period: Cherry trees must have a prolonged chilling period to bloom and set fruit the following growing season. For this reason, you’ll need to expose your cherry tree to continuous cold temperatures for at least a month by placing them outside while temperatures are 45℉ or below.

The key to chilling periods is that it needs to be continuous. Don’t bring your cherry tree inside on winter nights and warm it up. It needs to be at a steady, cold temperature for a month or more depending on the cultivar.

What Happens To Cherry Trees On Cloudy Days?

If sunlight is as important as we say it is, then what do cherry trees do on cloudy days? Will they start to wilt if there’s a week of cloudy weather?

According to an article in the European Geosciences Union, decreased light from clouds or other obstructions such as smoke or smog significantly reduces the amount of radiation available for photosynthesis.

However, just because it’s cloudy does not mean that your cherry tree will completely shut down.

Cloudy days are not as productive for cherry trees as sunny days. Cherry trees will produce less energy, meaning they’ll have fewer resources to put towards growing, blooming, or fruiting.

A few cloudy days here and there will not have a significant effect on cherry trees. If you live in a place that has a high number of cloudy days (Looking at you Seattle, Portland, and Pittsburgh), you may have to settle for a cherry tree with slower growth, fewer blossoms, and fewer fruits.

There’s no good way to remedy having cloudy weather. Your cherry tree will survive, but a boatload of cloudy days could have small consequences, some of which you may not even notice.

For those who have indoor cherry trees, there is a way to solve cloudy days – LED lights. Artificial grow lights can help supplement your indoor cherry tree with the light that it needs.

WTINTELL’s LED Plant Grow Light with Stand is adjustable up to 56 inches tall. It comes with 4 lights that are adjustable and can be set to a timer. These are perfect to keep your cherry tree happy and healthy!

If you live in an area that’s just too shady for cherry trees, you can try one of these types of mock cherry trees. Depending on where you live, it might be a better fit for your yard!

Can Cherry Trees Get Too Much Sun?

There’s no such thing as too much sun for a cherry tree, right? Right?

Unfortunately, there are a few downsides to having a ton of hot, sunny days in a row. Most of the time it’s the hot, dry weather that affects a cherry tree as opposed to just simply sunlight.

Below are some of the signs that your cherry tree is getting too much sun.

• Cherry spurs: Too much sun paired with hot weather can cause cherry fruits to double up. One full-sized cherry will be paired with a smaller cherry. While the fruit is still edible, it’s not the best site to see on your cherry tree.
  
• Sunburn: Just like people, trees can get sunburned from being in the sun for too long! Signs of sunburn include discolored bark, bark that looks dried out, and loose/peeling bark.
  
• Water stress: Mature cherry trees do not typically need watering. If your cherry tree appears droopy with dry, discolored leaves, it might be water stressed. This can happen when the cherry tree is exposed to too much sun, which dries out the soil.

How (And When) To Protect Your Cherry Tree From Too Much Sun

If you live in an area that’s always sunny, you may want to take some steps to protect your cherry tree. 

According to Washington State University, you’ll want to focus on the south or southwest face of your cherry tree’s trunk, as this is the area most likely to be affected by too much direct sun.

You’ll also want to look lower rather than higher when trying to spot damage. The light reflected off the ground is a double-whammy to the lower half of the tree’s trunk.

With that being said, it’s better to take preventative measures before you notice damage!

One easy way to help your cherry tree is by using tree wraps. Tree wraps are basically like a layer of sunscreen that you can wrap around the tree to protect them from too much sun.

Dalen’s Protective Tree Wrap is light-colored, which works perfectly to reflect the sun’s harsh rays. It’s also breathable and light, so it won’t hold moisture or prevent your cherry tree from growing.

That’s All For Now!

Sunlight makes the world go round. It gives us Vitamin D and a boost of serotonin to help us feel better! Sunlight is also incredibly important for trees, including cherries!

Cherry trees benefit from being planted in an area that receives full sun. This means at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. There are a few different reasons why cherry trees grow best in full sun.

Now for a quick recap.

Here’s why cherry trees grow best in full sun:

• Faster growth
• Better blooms
• Higher fruit production
• Promotes a healthier tree
• Helps break winter dormancy in the spring
• Gives cherry trees a uniform shape

Sunlight is important, but too much sun paired with hot, dry weather can cause problems. Keep an eye on your cherry tree and look out for signs of sunburn or water stress.

If you are growing your cherry tree indoors, it’s recommended to place it on a porch or patio so it can receive direct sunlight for a few hours each day.

Your local arborist can help you pick out the right variety of cherry tree for your yard or home and give you some insight into what your cherry tree needs to thrive!

References

Goncalves, B., Santos, A., Silva, A. P., Moutinho-Pereira, J., & Torres-Pereira, J. M.G. (2015, November 07). Effect of pruning and plant spacing on the growth of cherry rootstocks and their influence on stem water potential of sweet cherry trees. The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 78(5), 667-672.

Lichtenthaler, H. K., Babani, F., & Langsdorf, G. (2007, May 08). Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of photosynthetic activity in sun and shade leaves of trees. Photosynthesis Research, 93(235).

Luedeling, E., Kunz, A., & Blanke, M. M. (2012, October 06). Identification of chilling and heat requirements of cherry trees – a statistical approach. International Journal of Biometeorology, 57, 679-689.

Predieri, S., Dris, R., Sekse, L., & Rapparini, F. (2003). Influence of environmental factors and orchard management on yield and quality of sweet cherry. Food, Agriculture & Environment, 1(2), 263-266.

Yamasoe, M. A., von Randow, C., Manzi, A. O., Schafer, J. S., Eck, T. F., and Holben, B. N.: Effect of smoke and clouds on the transmissivity of photosynthetically active radiation inside the canopy, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 6, 1645–1656.

Shade trees are a wonderful addition to the yard, providing a cool oasis on a hot summer day. While some shade trees are better than others, cherry trees run near the top of the list for a few different reasons.

Cherry trees make great shade trees because they are tall with a large canopy that provides plenty of shade. They are also extremely colorful with edible fruit and flowers that will attract wildlife. Cherry trees generally grow at a quick rate of 2ft per year, giving you shade quicker than other trees.

If you’re thinking about planting a shade tree, consider a cherry tree! Read on to learn why cherry trees make great shade trees.

Are Cherry Trees Good Shade Trees?

Cherry trees are part of the genus prunus and belong to the rose family. There are many different kinds of cherry trees, which can make picking a shade tree a little confusing.

There are three basic types of cherry trees:

• Sour cherry
• Sweet cherry
• Flowering cherry

If you’re picturing the beautiful blooming cherry trees commonly associated with Japan or Washington D.C., you’re thinking of flowering cherries. Sour and sweet cherry trees are the ones that produce the fruit we all know and love.

Each cherry tree has unique characteristics that make them appealing shade trees. One of the most important aspects of a shade tree is its ability to provide shade!

Most species of cherry trees grow tall and wide enough to provide adequate shade. A few species are considered better shade trees than others.

Some of the best cherry shade trees include:

• Kwanzan cherry (Japanese flowering cherry)
• Sargent cherry
• Black cherry
• Sweet cherry
• Yoshino cherry (Tokyo cherry)

The Yoshino cherry, black cherry, and Sargent cherry all have a rapid growth rate, meaning they can grow 24 inches or more per year. This is an excellent quality to have in a shade tree as it won’t take as long for the tree to grow tall enough to provide shade.

The Kwanzan cherry and sweet cherry have medium growth rates, which is still faster than some other species of shade trees such as Japanese maple and eastern Hemlock.

Shade? Check. Decent growth rate? Check.

One other thing that makes cherry trees good shade trees is that they are adaptable to different conditions.

According to North Carolina State University, black cherry trees are one of the most adaptable when it comes to hardiness zones. They can survive anywhere from zone 2a to 8a, which covers most of the United States except the extreme southern regions.

Most other species can survive around zones 5 through 8, with some variation. The Kwanzan and Yoshino cherry trees are the most adaptable to different soil and PH types.

The answer to ‘are cherry trees good shade trees’ is a definite yes! Let’s check out some of the specifics.

Cherry Trees Provide Lots Of Shade

What would a shade tree be if it didn’t provide shade?! Luckily, cherry trees have dense, upright branches that spread out to provide you and your yard with tons of shade.

According to an article in the Journal of Horticultural Science, trees with spreading, open canopies tend to provide the best shade.

Except for sweet cherry and black cherry, most other cherry trees have a spreading, open canopy shape that is the perfect form for a shade tree. 

Black cherry and sweet cherry tend to have more of a pyramid shape, but they more than make up for it by having a taller height at maturity.

To give you an idea of which cherry trees provide the best shade, here is a table with some of the most popular cherry trees and their height/spread:

Cherry Tree Variety	Height	Spread (Width)	Growth Rate	Shape
Kwanzan Cherry	15-25’	10-20’	Medium	Rounded, vase
Sargent Cherry	20-30’	20-30’	Fast	Upright, rounded
Black Cherry	60-80’	30-60’	Fast	Pyramid
Sweet Cherry	Up to 65’	30’	Medium	Cone-shaped
Yoshino	30-40’	20-50’	Fast	Rounded, spreading, vase-shaped

As you can tell, some cherry trees like the Yoshino may not grow as tall, but they have a very wide, spreading canopy that provides plenty of shade.

To make sure your cherry tree grows in the best possible shape to provide shade, prune the tree yearly. This will encourage flowering and new growth and also give you a way to shape your tree how you want it.

You can read about the simple steps to prune your cherry tree here.

Cherry Trees Are Interesting All Year Long

There are plenty of choices out there when it comes to shade trees. The question is, do you want a boring old shade tree or one that keeps the yard interesting all year?

Cherry trees are known for their beautiful blossoms and delicious fruit. But spring isn’t the only time these trees will provide amazing color and interest in the yard.

• Spring: In the spring, your cherry tree will blossom with beautiful, fragrant flowers. Typical cherry trees have either white or pink flowers.
  
• Summer: During the summer, cherry trees show off the fruit that gave them their name. The Kwanzan, Sargent, and Yoshino have black cherries, while the black cherry and sweet cherry trees show off red, purple, and yellow cherries, depending on the cultivar.
  
• Fall: We all know fall is the time for leaves to show off, and cherry trees do not disappoint! Depending on the variety, you may see gold, yellow, orange, red, or burgundy-colored leaves.
  
• Winter: You may not utilize your shade tree as much in the winter, but cherry trees still provide an interesting landscape piece. The bark has a chance to shine in the winter, showing off its glossy coat and lenticels (horizontal pores).

No matter what time of year it is, your cherry tree is going to spruce up your yard and make your neighbors slow down to admire it!

Cherry Trees Attract Birds And Butterflies

We’re not talking about the annoying wildlife like raccoons or coyotes. Cherry trees produce fruit in the form of cherries and also provide nectar from their flowers.

Cherry trees attract a variety of birds that feed on the fruit. They also are hosts to a wide variety of butterflies. Lastly, cherry trees attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and adult butterflies.

If you enjoy watching wildlife, then planting a cherry tree is an excellent choice for your yard!

Sour cherry trees are typically too tart to eat raw. Unless you plan to use them in a pie, sour cherries are for the birds – literally! You can expect to see turkeys and deer in addition to songbirds.

In terms of butterflies, you may see:

• Eastern tiger swallowtail
• Coral Hairstreak
• Spring Azure
• Viceroy
• Red-spotted Purple

Compared to other shade trees, cherry trees tend to be more attractive to wildlife simply because of the fact they produce fruit. For example, oak trees have acorns that attract deer and squirrels but they do not really attract birds or pollinators.

If you want to get a little closer to the butterflies and other pollinators, consider installing a bench or swing under your cherry tree to observe these lovely creatures up close.

FDW’s Garden Bench has floral roses weaved into the bronze bench, fitting perfectly with the cherry tree theme (cherry trees are part of the rose family!)

Cherry Tree Blossoms Are Beautiful And Fragrant

Shade trees aren’t always the most interesting trees. They may provide cool shade, sure, but what else?

Cherry trees give your yard some shade AND a burst of color and fragrance. When you sit beneath a cherry tree, you can breathe in deep and take in the scents of spring.

Aesthetics are important in the yard. You don’t want a tree that looks droopy or lopsided. Cherry trees have a pleasing appearance and give off a lovely scent in the spring and summer.

You can read more about cherry blossoms and their fragrance here.

Cherry Trees Have A Fast Growth Rate

Planting a new shade tree is an exciting time. Soon, though, the excitement wears off and you realize you have a long way to go before your tree will provide any shade.

Growth rate is an important factor when selecting a shade tree for the yard. You don’t want to wait 30 years before you can enjoy the shade!

Most cherry trees have a fast growth rate, meaning they grow an average of at least 2 feet per year, sometimes more. At that rate, your cherry tree will be reaching 10 feet in just 5 years!

Soil, light, and water conditions will affect how fast your cherry tree grows. For the best growth rate possible, take into consideration these factors:

• Soil Type: According to Ohio State University, cherry trees grow the best in well-draining soils. They will not do well in an area that sits in water or has compacted soil.
  
• PH: Try to aim for a neutral to slightly acidic PH for cherry trees. Somewhere between 6 and 7 is ideal.
  
• Water: When your cherry tree is first established, you should water it thoroughly to encourage deep root growth. Once the tree is established, provide water only when there is no rain in the forecast or if you’ve only received light rain (less than 1 inch.)
  
• Sun: Cherry trees will grow the fastest when planted in full sun. They can survive some shade, but the growth may be stunted. Take a look at our guide on why cherry trees grow best in full sun!
  
• Nutrients: Cherry trees are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from light fertilizing in spring before the flowers begin to blossom. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer like Lilly Miller Morcrop Tomato & Vegetable Food which has a 5-10-10 NPK ratio.

One thing to note about fertilizers is that you don’t want to apply them too late in the season. This can prevent your cherry tree from hardening off for the winter season. It’s recommended to stop fertilizing around mid-summer.

Cherry Trees Provide Fruit

One of the biggest advantages of planting a cherry tree is that you get fresh, delicious fruit right from your yard.

Remember how we mentioned sweet and sour cherry trees? If you’re planning on harvesting the cherries, you may want to consider if you want sweet cherries or tart cherries.

Sour cherries are better for pies, jams, and cobblers, whereas sweet cherries are better for eating raw or topping ice cream and milkshakes.

If you’re leaning towards sweet cherries, just know that you’ll have to plant two trees for them to bear fruit, as sweet cherry trees are not self-fruitful. 

Sour cherry trees are self-fruitful and can produce fruit with just a single tree.

Some of the best sour cherry varieties include:

• Montmorency
• English Morello
• Evans
• Early Richmond

Some of the best sweet cherry varieties include:

• Bing
• Lapins
• Ranier
• Lambert

Flowering cherries like Yoshino and Kwanzan have showy fruit, but they are not very tasty and it’s not recommended to eat them. If you’d like more options, take a peak at our guide on mock cherry tree varieties here.

The Best Places To Plant A Cherry Tree

Sold on planting a cherry tree? Good choice! Now, the next question is where should you plant it in your yard?

When choosing a site for your cherry tree, there are a few things to take into consideration.

Give Your Cherry Tree Enough Space

It’s not recommended to plant your cherry tree right next to another tree or close to the house. Cherry trees need enough space to grow without being crowded.

For instance at my childhood home, we have a choke cherry tree planted near the edge of our pond (image below.)

It has ample space to grow and the roots almost always have a water source unless the summer is SUPER dry.

Cherry trees are susceptible to a few problems such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. This can be minimized by planting your cherry tree in a very open area away from buildings and other trees.

The more space your cherry tree has, the better air circulation there is between the branches and leaves. This helps keep moisture from building up on the branches and leaves.

Pruning is another way you can help your cherry tree receive plenty of air circulation and minimize the chances of pests and ailments. Pruning should be done in the winter when your cherry tree is dormant.

Give Your Cherry Tree Enough Sun

Planting your cherry tree in the shade of your home or in the shade of another tree will stunt its growth.

Here’s a shot of the other cherry tree at our family home, a weeping cherry tree, which is out in the front yard getting PLENTY of sun.

Of course you’d really have to trim a weeping cherry tree to make it a decent shade tree, but this one just grows pretty freely and has never had any significant issues 🙂

Pick a spot in your yard that receives plenty of sun, at least 6 hours per day. By giving your cherry tree enough sun, you’ll promote faster growth and better health.

Plant Your Cherry Tree At The Right Time

Just because you picked out your cherry tree in the summer doesn’t mean you should plant it right away.

Spring and Fall are the two best times to plant a cherry tree. The ground is typically too frozen in the winter and the summer is too hot for the trees to properly take hold in their new home.

Why Plant A Cherry Tree?

What makes a cherry tree better for shade than an oak or maple tree? ‘Better’ is a relative term and depends mostly on what you want out of your shade tree.

Cherry trees are a little higher maintenance than maples, oaks, and birches. They need to be pruned and can struggle in shade or poor soil conditions.

Cherry trees are also pretty susceptible to bugs including aphids, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and boring insects.

With that being said, you can’t beat a cherry tree when it comes to a showy shade tree. Their edible fruits make them even more appealing as a shade tree, especially if you enjoy harvesting fruits and veggies from your own backyard.

Roots are an understandable concern of many homeowners when they plant a tree. We don’t want roots to mess with the foundation or sidewalks, and we don’t want them to heave up the soil and cause mowing problems.

Luckily, cherry trees rarely cause problems with their roots. They usually do not break the surface or cause problems with underground water lines. You can plant your cherry tree with peace of mind that, even when it’s fully grown, its roots won’t cause problems.

That’s All For Now!

Shade trees are a great addition to the yard. They provide a cool spot on hot summer days and are often the statement piece of our yards.

Cherry trees make good shade trees for a few different reasons:

• Wide canopy
• Interest all year long – spring blooms, summer fruit, fall leaves, winter bark
• Fruit & flowers attract wildlife
• Blossoms are fragrant & showy
• Fast growth rate
• Provide fruit

There are pros and cons to planting a cherry tree when compared to other shade trees. The best attributes of a cherry tree are that they are very showy and they provide fruit.

Check with a local professional to see what type of cherry tree is the best for your location!

References

Goncalves, B., Correia, C. M., Silva, A. P., Bacelar, E. A., Santos, A., & Moutinho-Pereira, J. M. (2008, May 20). Leaf structure and function of sweet cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) cultivars with open and dense canopies. Horticultural Science, 116(4), 381-387.

Konarska, J., Lindberg, F., Larsson, A., Thorsson, S., & Holmer, B. (2014). Transmissivity of solar radiation through crowns of single urban trees – application for outdoor thermal comfort modeling. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 117, 363-376.

Lauri, P. E., & Claverie, J. (2008). Sweet cherry tree architecture, physiology and management: Towards an integrated view. ISHS Acta Horticulturae, 795, 605-614.

Loewe, V. M., Gonzalez O., M., & Balzarini, M. (2013, October 15). Wild cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) growth in pure and mixed plantations in South America. Forest Ecology and Management, 306, 31-41.

Sitarek, M., & Sas-Paszt, L. (2014). Sweet Cherry Root System Structure Depends On The Rootstock/Cultivar Combination. ISHS Acta Horticulturae, 1020, 233-237.

Is your flowering cherry tree looking like it woke up with a severe case of bed head? Well, it may be time to break out the pruning shears. What are the best ways to prune your flowering cherry tree?

Properly pruning flowering cherry trees encourages flowering and fresh growth. It also removes dead branches and abnormalities. You should prune your flowering cherry tree in the late winter, early spring, or immediately after blooming using pruning sheers while removing any damaged branches.

Keep reading to learn the best ways to prune your flowering cherry trees, and when to manage this task. Even if you have no experience in trimming trees, you will have the confidence and know-how to trim your flowering cherry tree and keep it healthy for many years to come.

Why Do Flowering Cherry Trees Need Pruning?

Ornamental trees like the flowering cherry need regular maintenance to remain healthy, encourage new growth and allow the beautiful blooms to greet you with bright vitality every spring. Without proper pruning, the tree can overcrowd itself, branches can rub across each other, leaving open wounds. This can make it look rather unattractive in your yard. 

The blossoms are quite beautiful, and they may bring a pleasant scent to your garden.

Some trees, like the flowering cherry tree, also have dense growth patterns and, left alone, will become too dense to be properly healthy. Pruning once a year will thin them out and help to reduce the possibility of fungal growth because of the increased sunlight and airflow between branches and foliage. 

If you are looking into different types of ornamental, or mock, cherry trees, you can find information here in our article about the types of mock cherry trees and where they grow!

Pruning Keeps The Tree Healthy

Regular pruning on your flowering cherry tree will extend the life of your tree by keeping it healthy. Removing dead and afflicted branches allows the tree to grow stronger because it spends less energy on problem areas. Pruning also eases overcrowding of branches and removes branches rubbing across each other, which could cause problems later on. 

When you prune and trim your tree properly, it keeps the canopy—the top, the foliage-covered section of the tree—open and able to get plenty of airflow and sunlight. This helps make the foliage and flowers resist fungal growth as the airflow removes more of the problematic spores.

Regular pruning also removes weaker branches, which could break off and open the tree up to pests and infections. 

Overgrown and improperly maintained trees can become weak and unhealthy. If the branches and foliage of the tree are too dense, this can weaken the tree. Dead branches can accumulate and cause more problems as well.

Not to mention, when a tree is not pruned properly, it just makes the tree look bad and unattractive.  

Pruning Is Preventative Maintenance

Pruning your trees also lets you see and remove potential problems before they can manifest into bigger issues. When you are pruning your trees, you can see if there is something wrong with them, almost like your yearly checkup at the doctor. 

Sometimes rubbing branches can open up the bark and expose the inside of the tree, leaving the area weak and susceptible to infections. While pruning, you will notice little signs such as weakness, pests capable of harming the tree, or infections you need to remove before the tree needs professional care.  

Proper Pruning Does Not Harm The Tree

When you perform regular, proper pruning, it helps to strengthen the tree. Pruning removes afflicted and infected branches and leaves, leaving energy for the tree to focus on regular growth, making the tree stronger and healthier.

Trees can heal themselves faster after a proper trimming. If pruning is not maintained, branches can break off, leaving hard to heal wounds that open up the tree for infections and pests. It’s just like if we get a cut and do not treat it properly, it takes longer to heal, and can cause bigger problems later on. 

Pruning Makes The Tree More Attractive

Trees in the forest, growing wild, with branches all over the place, moss creeping up the trunk and dripping off the branches, have a certain rugged appeal. However, most people do not want a wild, unruly-looking mess in their front yards or gardens.

You bought a flowering cherry tree to show off the beautiful blooms, attractive bark on the trunk, and the appealing shape of the canopy. By following this guide, you can keep your tree appealing and attractive.

When you do not trim your flowering cherry tree, it can quickly start to look unkempt, and be a big eyesore compared to the neatly trimmed hedges and lush carpet of maintained grass. Pruning your tree keeps the attractive shape, encourages more blooms, and healthy, full foliage, adding to the overall appeal to your yard.

When Should You Prune A Flowering Cherry Tree?

Now you know why a flowering cherry tree needs to be pruned, so let’s get into the proper times you should trim your tree. Yes, there are certain times when it is beneficial to trim your tree, and others when it is not advised. 

If you prune your trees at improper times, you could do more harm than good. It may send your tree into shock, effectively showing down growth for a season, and causing it to look sickly. Trees have growing stages. In the winter they lay dormant, and grow little, if at all, while in fall they are trying to store up energy for the long, cold winter. 

Not all trees are the same, and you can prune some during dormant stages without harm, but in this article, we are only focusing on flowering cherry trees. If you have questions about when or how much you can prune other trees on your property, please consult a professional arborist or tree specialist to answer your questions. 

Below we will go over the best times for pruning your flowering cherry trees are.

Trim Cherry Trees In Late Winter Or Early Spring

Do not start the pruning on your flowering cherry tree in late fall or early winter because the tree is trying to store up energy for the long dormant season. It will not have the proper time or energy to seal off the open cuts made from pruning.

Wait until late winter or early spring for your area to do most of your cherry tree pruning because the tree is about to exit the dormant stage and it will be more able to heal itself where the branches were cut. The tree will have plenty of energy to deal with the pruning at this time of the growth period. This is also the time for your heavier pruning. 

During late winter or early spring, pruning will be easier because all the foliage is gone, and you can see the branches better. There will not be a thick canopy of leaves getting in the way and blocking the view. You can better see if branches are rubbing on each other, where the dead wood is, and if there are any unhealthy areas you need to remove. 

Trim Immediately After Blooming

You can also start your pruning after the cherry tree has finished blooming to help promote new growth and production of more flowers next year. Do not wait long after the blooms have fallen, though. Trim immediately after blooming, or wait until next season.

During this time, keep the pruning light. Just trim off smaller branches to promote better growth and accentuate the shape of the tree you are looking for. Leave larger branches and heavier trimming for late winter or early spring. 

How To Prune Your Flowering Cherry Tree Properly

First off you want to stand back to get a good feel for your tree and notice the natural growth patterns. Does it droop down like an umbrella, does it grow upward toward the sun, or does it bush out in an oval or circular pattern? Contour your tree to the natural shape it takes on.

This also helps you to formulate a plan for pruning your tree. 

Make sure you have time to step back and look at the progress after each cut. It pays to be methodical, or you could end up with a lopsided tree that has lost all its beautiful appeal.

1. Remove Unhealthy Branches

When cutting back the branches or removing unhealthy branches, cut them back to a healthy part of the tree. Do not leave a long piece of stub sticking out, as this could cause the branch to continue rotting. Cut it back to a healthy side shoot, as this will promote the section to grow stronger.

If you have to remove an entire branch, you want to cut it just above the branch collar. The branch collar is where the bark around the bottom of the branch looks wrinkled up. You want to cut straight as possible just above the branch collar to help the tree heal itself faster.

Cuts need to be straight, clean, and cut with a properly sized tool. If the cut is frayed, crushed, or the branch splits while cutting, get a larger tool and cut it again. 

Hand shears are for branches only about the width of a pencil to ½ of an inch. Loppers will cut branches up to 1½ inches thick, whereas the saw will cut larger branches. 

If a branch breaks during the cut, clean it up and make the cut as clean as possible, so it is easier for the tree to heal itself.

2. Do Not “Top” Your Tree

“Topping” a tree refers to cutting nearly all the growth off a tree to shorten the height or restrict its growth. This practice will severely shorten the life of a tree and opens it up to a host of problems it may never recover from. 

Topping a tree is really never a good idea. It removes the main leader and branches, which can leave the tree wounded and unable to heal properly. This practice can also shorten the life of the tree greatly.

3. Remove Any Dead Branches

Now that you are ready to trim, look for any dead, or damaged growth on your flowering cherry tree and remove those first. Once all the undesirable branches are gone from the tree, again step back from the tree to see what it looks like now. 

It’s easy to start trimming, get into the “zone” and then realize you may have gotten a little overzealous. Now it looks like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. 

4. Clean Out The Tree’s Canopy

Next, you want to clear the clutter and open up the canopy. You are not looking to cut the top completely off, but you want the tree opened up. This is so air can easily circulate through the fully leafed-out branches. 

A good rule of thumb here is to be able to see patches of sky through the canopy of your flowering cherry tree. Opening it up like this also allows sunlight to penetrate the inner and lower branches and leaves. This helps the tree grow stronger, healthier, and produce more food for itself. 

Again, after each cut, stand back and look at the tree and plan your next section to trim. There is no rush! You would not rush a fine painting, so do not rush the trimming of your tree either. 

5. Remove Undesirable Branches

Look out for branches crossing or rubbing on each other. Rubbing branches can open up wounds and expose the tree to afflictions. Cut one of these branches off to prevent further problems. 

The same goes for branches crossing each other. They may not be causing a problem now, but during a growing season, the branches could start rubbing or even start growing into each other. 

Other branches to look out for are branches shooting straight up, or water sprouts. The problem with water sprouts is they typically grow faster than other branches on the tree and can break off easily with gusts of wind. Remove any water sprouts you see. 

Any branches of the flowering cherry tree growing toward the inside of the tree or other branches need to be removed next. These types of branches will only cause problems, and it is best to trim them off before they can. 

You want to be left with branches growing outward in uniform patterns. They need to be relatively evenly spaced, neat, and open enough to allow plenty of airflow. 

6. Trim Any Suckers

Suckers are small branches at the bottom of the tree along with its root system. These suckers do exactly as they are called—they suck energy from the rest of the tree. They are an attempt to grow more branches.

However, the problem, aside from usually looking unattractive, is they take a lot of energy and slow the growth of the rest of the tree. 

Remove these suckers from the base of the tree and any other branches along the trunk to keep the attractive allure of your flowering cherry. 

7. Step Back And Take Another Look

Now that you have trimmed the canopy, removed any dead, broken, or abnormal-looking branches, and cleared away any suckers at the base of your tree, how does it look? Is it looking lean and healthy?

Trim off any small growth growing outside of the natural habit of the tree. You want to shape it now to make it look more attractive and uniform. This part of the pruning should be light and only to accentuate the tree because you have done all the heavy pruning before this step.

If your tree looks pleasing and you are happy with the look, congratulations, you have successfully trimmed your flowering cherry tree! Now all you need to do is clean up the trimmed branches and clean and disinfect your tools for later use. 

What Tools Do You Need For Cherry Tree Pruning?

Before you hack away at your cherry tree, make sure you have the proper equipment. You will need:

• A pair of hand pruning shears or anvil shears
• A pair of loppers for branches over an inch and a half in diameter
• Pruning saw for larger branches
• Gardening gloves
• Step ladder for higher branches

The THANOS A1101 Extendable Anvil Loppers are a great option if you are looking for tools to prune your larger trees. They can easily chop through branches 2 inches in diameter. It can also be adjusted to lengths between 27 and 40 inches to fit your needs.

If you already have these tools in your shed or garage and have been using them, make sure you clean and disinfect them before trimming your ornamental cherry. You can use a 70% rubbing alcohol to clean the cutting surfaces of these tools.

Disinfecting your blades before using them will prevent cross-contamination between trees and other plants. Once the tools are clean and disinfected, do not forget to oil them to prevent rust. 

If you are still uncomfortable about pruning your tree, or if it is very tall and you are not completely comfortable on a ladder, then consult a professional in your area. Make sure they have experience with ornamental trees and will not just lop all the branches off.

Wound Paints Are Not Needed

In the gardening section of your local hardware store, there are undoubtedly plenty of tree stump sealants, or wound paints claiming to help promote the health and vitality of trees after trimming them. Maybe you have seen the black or white telltale markings on trees after they have been trimmed, but you do not need these.

They come in convenient spray cans and tell claim you need the product, but a tree is better off taking care of its own wounds. Trees have their own arsenal to deal with pruning wounds. If pruning is done at the proper time, then it does not harm the tree and they can heal themselves easily.

The article, Caring for Cherry Trees in Washington DC by the National Park Service, says they no longer use wound paints for cherry trees! Wound paints are no longer seen as an effective way to prevent or reduce decay, or insect infestations on flowering cherry trees.

  

There You Have It!

Flowering cherry trees are a beautiful addition to your yard or garden and, with a little maintenance, they will continue to grace your space with years of beauty.  

As you have read, proper pruning during the correct time is beneficial for a tree’s overall longevity. Pruning keeps the tree strong, growing better, encourages more blooms and foliage, and is necessary for the extended life of a tree.

Here are the 7 simple steps to prune your flowering cherry tree:

1. Remove unhealthy branches
2. Do not “top” your tree
3. Remove and dead branches
4. Clean out the tree’s canopy
5. Remove undesirable branches
6. Trim and suckers
7. Step back and take another look

Pruning your flowering cherry trees need not be a daunting or monumental task. With the right tools, a small dose of know-how, and a little elbow grease, you can trim them yourself and, keep your outdoor investment growing beautifully for many years.

References:

Guimond, C. M., Lang, G. A., & Andrews, P. K. (1998). Timing and Severity of Summer Pruning Affects Flower Initiation and Shoot Regrowth in Sweet Cherry. HortScience, 33(4), 647–649.

Douglas, S. (2001, August). Pruning: An introduction to why, how, and when. CT.gov – Connecticut’s Official State Website. https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Plant-Science-Day/2001/Pruning

Cherries- dark, light, round, long, sweet, tart; however you may think of them, there is more to cherries than meets the eye. It may surprise you to learn that some species of cherry trees are just for looks!

A mock cherry tree is a variety of trees grown for ornamental reasons. While they produce fruit, not all of it is for consumption, and many of them are even bitter tasting. These trees often grow best in the USDA hardiness zones 4-6 and can withstand low temperatures for short periods.

If this information intrigues you and you have more questions about these trees, you are in luck! Stick with us as we discuss mock (or ornamental) cherry trees and all that goes along with this lesser-known variety. 

What Is A Mock Cherry?

The first question that will come to mind has to do with what. 

What exactly even is a mock cherry, or a mock cherry tree?

Similar to an orchard cherry, one produced to be eaten as a fruit, the ornamental cherry is produced for its visual appeal. 

The University of Maryland Extension helps us understand ornamental flowering cherries are a part of a family of trees called Rosaceae and that the typical lifespan of these trees is only 20-25 years. 

External factors such as disease, pests, and other environmental concerns, ornamental (mock) cherry trees rarely last for long. 

While their lifespan is not the most enduring, these trees are visually attractive and add a pleasant touch to wherever you plant them. 

What Are Well-Known Types Of Mock Cherry Trees? 

When thinking of mock cherry trees, you may fall short, unable to come up with any types of cherry trees that would not produce the sweet (or tart) taste we all know and love. Never fear, we have just the information you need!

Now, these may not be all the varieties of ornamental cherry trees (not even close, if we are being honest), but we hope this short list helps you to understand and even possibly identify ornamental cherry trees down the road.

If you are planning on planting any type of cherry blossom tree, you may wonder if it will give your yard a pleasant scent. You can find information on the topic here: Do Cherry Blossom Trees Smell? 9 Cherry Blossom Facts.

Kwanzan Cherry Tree

This mock cherry tree grows no fruit at all. Crazy, right?

At least there are no mix-ups when distinguishing if this tree has edible cherries on it. No cherries mean no worries with the Kwanzan cherry tree. 

This low-maintenance variety of cherry tree is a bit showier, with brighter colors and larger flowers. 

The pink double blossoms of a Kwanzan cherry tree often draw interest from spectators, and critics, everywhere. Not only are the flowers made of double blossoms, but they cluster together in groups of 3-5. 

Think this tree sounds cool? Just wait until you hear this. 

Kwanzan cherry tree flowers also sport nearly 30 petals per blossom. When you combine the double blossom with 30 petals each, clustered in groups of 3-5, one can only imagine how stunning this tree becomes in the spring!

If not, there are plenty of cherry blossom festivals all around the world and this species is a fan-favorite every single time!

In fact, on top of festivals in the tree’s native Japan, this ornamental cherry tree is featured in many US cherry blossom festivals like the popular Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

You can see this showstopper for yourself, somewhere closer to home.

Yoshino Cherry Tree

This is another ornamental cherry tree sporting a white flower, though this one is much bigger than the Carolina cherry laurel. 

The Yoshino cherry tree’s flower has a similarly delicate look to it while benefiting from a fuller, more luscious overall appearance. 

With single blossoms, the flowers are clustered in groups of 2-5, which adds to the appearance of fullness in these blossoms. 

It’s all about the angles, right?

Akebono Cherry Tree

This species is, unfortunately, losing a bit of its popularity to newer ones, but the Akebono cherry tree still has much to offer. 

It is unique because its flowers change throughout their bloom, shifting from a pale pink to a bright white during spring. 

With a single blossom and clusters of 2-5, these flowers are also pretty subtle but beautiful.

Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree

You will find semi-double blossomed, pink flowers all over the autumn-flowering cherry tree. Its name derives from how this tree famously blooms during warm parts of fall, before fully blooming in the spring. 

What a wonder when this tree blooms unexpectedly as other trees are losing their leaves, or preparing to stay in the same evergreen disposition.

This means their small clusters of flowers are seen more than once a year, which is a magnificent thing on its own, but two separate times during a single year.

Sargent Cherry/North Japanese Hill Cherry Tree

The Sargent cherry tree, also known as the north Japanese hill cherry tree, is native to both Japan and Korea. 

Its blossoms are single, but clustered, and come in a deep pink color many associate with the very popular ‘Japanese Cherry Blossom.’ 

While many people might assume this popular spring phenomenon in Japan relates to a single type of tree, there are many species involved in the cherry blossoming of the spring. 

This is, however, one of the most notable varieties of blossoming cherry trees, and for good reason. 

While other ornamental cherry trees may only grow to be about 40 feet tall at a maximum, this species can easily make its way up to 60 feet tall in the wild. 

Fugenzo Cherry/Shirofugen Cherry Tree

Speaking of Japan, let’s not forget cherry trees originated in that corner of the world. 

While there is notable debate about whether South Korea, China, or Japan can rightfully stake their claim as the homeland of cherry blossoms, it is most important to know these trees are all descended from this area of the world.

The Fungenzo cherry tree (also known as Shirofugen cherry) is one of the oldest Japanese-cultivated cherry trees out there. It produces beautiful flower blossoms that honor the tradition that goes back at least hundreds of years, possibly longer.

With a double blossom and 30-40 petals each, you will see the flowers in a range of colors spanning from a rose pink to a light, nearly white but not quite color, which signals the aging of the flower.

Okame Cherry Tree

The okame cherry is said to flower the earliest of the cherry blossoms in the spring. The autumn-flowering cherry tree does not give much room for other cherry trees to earn this superlative in a year-round context.

With semi-double, bright pink blossoms, this is another crowd-pleaser and the droopy look of the flowers adds a level of singularity many people are drawn to.

Weeping Cherry Tree

Alright, speaking of droopy cherry blossoms, we would be remiss to leave out the weeping cherry tree. 

Think of the commonly known weeping willow and the popular north Japanese hill cherry. 

Now, imagine they combined forces and created a hybrid tree. It is both cool and collected while being bright and vivacious all at the same time. 

Perfect, you’ve got yourself the weeping cherry tree!

This tree originates as a cherry tree grafted onto another tree to create the weeping effect, and this was first cultivated in Japan centuries ago. 

For this reason, it is difficult to pin down what the flowers of this tree might look like, as there is so much variety within this type of tree. 

However, this is one you will not want to miss when you hit a cherry blossom festival or are looking to get an ornamental cherry tree of your own!

How Long Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Live?

Realistically, this timeline depends on the species of the ornamental cherry tree itself. 

Kwanzan cherries live up to 15-25 years, while some live longer and some may live shorter. 

For example, some other species have can live around 30-40 years, instead of adhering to their relatives’ slightly shorten lifespans.

You can realistically expect your ornamental cherry tree will be around for 25 odd years but keep in mind some factors may shorten or lengthen this lifespan.

How Big Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Get?

Ornamental cherry trees usually grow to about 30-40 feet tall, depending on some environmental factors such as sunlight, soil quality, and how many other plants may share the same patch of land. 

The National Parks Service offers a list of some types of cherry trees at a festival, all of which range from 15-50 feet tall, while we know some species of ornamental cherry trees grow to be a bit taller than this.

How Can You Tell If A Cherry Tree Is Ornamental?

While most ornamental cherry trees produce no fruit at all, there are a few varieties listed above capable of producing fruit, but also get grouped along with trees that do not. 

This may seem confusing, but just know the Carolina cherry laurel is an exception to the rule. 

An ornamental cherry tree will have either single, double, or semi-double blossoms, most often white or pink. 

It is easiest to identify a mock cherry tree during the spring when these trees are in bloom. Otherwise, you can look at the leaves, bark, and other key factors used to identify any tree.

Where Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Grow Best?

Like all other types of trees, there are certain regions that ornamental cherry trees will do their best growing in. 

If you are someone looking to grow your trees in the United States, the USDA has a map of hardiness zones with information about which regions drop to certain low temperatures. 

From there, you can determine if your area is suitable for growing any type of tree. 

USDA hardiness zones 4-6 are often the best overall locations in which an ornamental cherry tree will thrive.

This means that an ornamental cherry tree can survive, and possibly thrive, in locations that have a low temperature of -25 degrees Fahrenheit through -5 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Keep in mind this does not mean you should try to grow these trees in areas where those low temperatures are the average. They are simply indicators of extremely low temperatures a region may experience once in a while, that a cherry tree could withstand. A different scenario arises when your average temperature gets that cold. 

How To Keep Ornamental Cherry Trees Healthy 

Ornamental cherry trees certainly do not have the longest lifespans, especially in relation to some other types of trees. However, there are many things you can do to help ensure your tree not only grows but thrives during its time here.

Pick The Right Location

The location in which you decide to plant your ornamental cherry tree is important. 

You will want to be sure you are not planting too close to any foundations of homes or other buildings, as well as giving enough space from other trees to ensure yours will get enough sunlight. 

It may not be the absolute most important thing about growing a cherry tree (of any kind), but it will help make your tree journey much easier in the long run. 

What exactly do we mean by right location, though? Well, the right location has to do with factors like sunlight and soil quality, but also with fertilization and access to water. Finally, keep those USDA hardiness zones we mentioned above in mind.

Utilize Your Land

So, by utilizing your land, you should be able to find somewhere with the right amount of space so for your cherry tree. 

Overcrowding of roots is an issue, sure, but it is also key to remember the more plants there are in a plot of soil, the fewer nutrients each plant can access. 

With knowledge about which plants can cohabitate without leeching nutrients, you can avoid this. If plants require different nutrients, they can survive close to each other.

If you do not have this knowledge or do not have a desire to research it, it is better to play it safe and separate your plants a bit.

Another way to help prevent root crowding is planting trees with shallow roots. You can find a wonderful list in this article about fruit trees specifically, 6 Best Fruit Trees That Have Shallow Roots: Identification Guide.

Look for an area with plenty of sunlight and space. If it will also showcase your ornamental cherry tree, it may just be the perfect spot for one.  

It’s ornamental for a reason, after all. You want people to see this beautiful specimen you have been growing.

You deserve to show off your hard work and (we hope) your neighbors deserve to drive by your magnificent cherry tree in bloom.

Fertilize Your Cherry Tree!

If you have read nearly any other piece that we have written, you will be familiar with the idea that fertilization is key to growing happy, healthy, and resilient plants. 

We need our nutrients, so who is to say trees do not need the same TLC we would expect to nurture our growing selves?

You will want a pretty balanced fertilizer. A 10-10-10 granular fertilizer like this Southern Ag All Purpose Granular Fertilizer is a great option. 

This fertilizer is an easy to apply, homogenous mixture. With an even sprinkling of fertilizer, followed by water, you can provide your tree with the nutrients it needs.

Keep The Cherry Tree Hydrated

Trees need water, just like most all other plants. 

Ornamental cherry trees are no exception. 

Water your tree often, especially if you live in a region with less rainfall. 

That’s All for Now!

We hope this was cherry helpful. 

Too much? Probably. 

Anyway, now you have learned a bit more about what exactly a mock (ornamental) cherry tree is, where they might do best once planted, and how else to care for these beautiful beings. It is obvious there is a lot to love about them.

Whether you are hoping to plant an ornamental cherry tree in front of your home or business, or are simply interested in learning more about this beautiful tree family, we certainly hope you got what you came for.

As always, thanks for sticking with us. Hope to see you again soon!

References

Hokanson, K. E., & Pooler, M. R. (2000). Regeneration of Ornamental Cherry (Prunus) Taxa from Mature Stored Seed. HortScience, 35(4), 745–748.

Jacobs, K. A., & Johnson, G. R. (1996). Ornamental Cherry Tolerance of Flooding and Phytophthora Root Rot. HortScience, 31(6), 988–991.

One of the most incredible things about cherry trees is their blooms; you really don’t want to miss them! Cherry blossom trees bloom right at the beginning of spring with incredible shades of pink blooms. Did you know you can get arrested for picking cherry blossoms? 

Cherry blossom trees typically have an incredibly short blooming season, lasting only between early March and even into April for up to a ten-day period. During this time, cherry blossom trees do smell when in bloom. The blooms and their flowers give off a very faint scent of vanilla, lilac and rose.

Below, we’ll go into details about cherry blossoms and their scent. Stick around to learn some facts about cherry blossoms that we bet you didn’t know! Here are nine facts about cherry blossoms:

Cherry Blossom Trees Are Ornamental

Cherry blossoms are considered flowering cherries or ornamental cherries, meaning they usually do not produce fruit and are grown for their incredible, luscious blooms. They are typically found in northern temperate regions, such as in the mountains of the Andes in South America, as well as Southeast Asia. 

They belong to the genus Prunus, which in Latin means plum or cherry tree; this genus includes more than 600 species of stone fruit trees and shrubs, including cherries, plums, apricots, nectarines, almonds, and peaches. 

Most cherry trees have a short lifespan between 15-25 years, occasionally 25-50 years. Additionally, cherry blossoms only bloom for several days up to 10 days, right at the beginning of spring, so the window to see them is very small!

Cherry Blossom Trees Have A Faint Smell

Cherry blossoms are known to have a very faint smell. Most of the time, if you walk past them, you won’t really smell much of anything, except maybe the slightest sweet smell. It is said to be comparable to an exceptionally faint smell of lilac. 

Another fruit tree, the pear tree, emits an awful smell. If you have ever seen these trees with white blooms, you have probably gotten an accompanied whiff of dead fish. But as for the cherry tree, it is probably more likely that you won’t smell anything.

Washington DC Has Its Own Cherry Blossom Festival

Did you know that you can get arrested for breaking off a branch or flower on cherry blossoms? Yep! That’s right! In Washington DC, it is considered vandalism of federal property, resulting in a citation or even being arrested!

But besides that, every year, in March through April, Washington DC has its National Cherry Blossom Festival. It celebrates and honors the relationship and cultures between America and Japan and the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to Washington DC by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo in 1912.

What a wonderful celebration!

Cherry Blossoms Only Bloom For Up To 10 Days

Cherry blossom bloom periods vary from year to year and are dependent upon the weather. The peak bloom lasts only for a few days, so if you want to see cherry blossom trees blooming, don’t put it off. 

Typically, cherry trees bloom in early spring, around March and April. However, in Japan, they can bloom as early as February, which is also the official beginning of spring in the Japanese calendar.

Cherry blossoms, once at full bloom, only last for about a week and occasionally up to two weeks. Generally, they bloom for ten days. After this period, the petals begin to drop, and green leaves begin to appear. Cherry trees need approximately a month of weather below 41 degrees to bloom properly. 

As temperatures continue to increase and get warmer earlier in the year, the cherry tree blooms periods vary, making it increasingly more difficult to predict. As of this year, April 2021, Kyoto, Japan, had the earliest cherry tree bloom in 1,200 years!

Macon, Georgia Is The Cherry Blossom Capital Of The World

Macon, Georgia, is considered the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, with over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees. Although Washington DC is home to an array of cherry trees, Macon has 90 times more cherry blossom trees than DC! 

Every year Macon, Georgia, hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival in late March. The festival would not have been possible without William Fickling Sr., who discovered the exact same tree in his Georgia backyard, that he saw in Washington DC during a business trip in 1952.

The Cherry Blossom Festival did not begin in Macon until 1982, which was created by Carolyn Cayton to honor William Fickling.

However, cherry blossom trees can still be enjoyed around the world! This includes Washington DC, New York, Japan, Paris, Hamburg, Vancouver, London, and more!

Cherry Blossoms Are An Integral Part Of Japanese Culture

Cherry blossom trees, known as sakura, in Japan have a unique place in Japanese culture.

Spring officially starts in February, according to the traditional Japanese calendar. This also happens to be the beginning of plum blossom blooms. Soon after, cherry blossoms begin to bloom. 

In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms represent renewal, being in the moment, and the beautiful fleeting impermanence of nature. Hanami, known as flower watching, has traditionally been set aside during ancient periods for observing the cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms Are Susceptible To A Variety Of Diseases

Unfortunately, flowering cherries are susceptible to a host of diseases and pests.

Some concerns for flowering cherries:

• Cherry brown rot causes defoliation, branch dieback, and blossom blight.
• Cherry bark tortrix is actually a moth, but the damaging stage is the larvae, which bore into the trunk of the tree, causing branch dieback.
• Shot hole disease is a disease caused by a beetle called the shothole borer. It lives in between the bark and the outer layer of wood of the trunk. It is the cause of this fungal disease that causes leaf drops and cankers. The Kwanzan cherry is resistant to this disease.
• Cherry leaf spot is another fungal disease, causing leaf chlorosis, i.e., a lack of chlorophyll causing yellowing of leaf tissue and premature defoliation. The Kwanzan cherry is moderately resistant. However, the Yoshino and Okame cherry trees are susceptible to cherry leaf spot.

The best management of disease resistance and infection is to plant disease-tolerant cherries like the Kwanzan, Prunus serrulata, or the Autumnalis, Prunus subhirtella, Akebono cherry, Prunus x yedoensis, Pink Flair® cherry, Prunus sargentii’ JFS-KW58′.

Cherry Blossoms Have A Short Lifespan

Cherry blossom trees, Prunus spp., are arguably some of the most beautiful flowering trees. Cherry blossom trees are considered ornamental flowering fruit trees, meaning they do not bear fruit like regular cherry trees. 

As such, they have a shorter lifespan, too.

They bloom in early spring with a range of white to pink shades of flowers. Although the size, growth rate, and age range for individual cherry blossoms, we’ve got some of the most common cherry blossom trees you may have heard of or seen and their lifespan too!

If you’re interested, you can check out our piece on the lifespan for common oak trees here.

Yoshino Cherry Blossom Tree, Prunus x yedoensis

Although native to Japan, the Yoshino cherry is a common specimen tree in landscaping. It is prominent in New York City and Washington DC. Unfortunately, this tree has a short lifespan of only 15-20 years. 

The Yoshino cherry grows 40-50 feet tall and wide, growing 1-2 feet per year. It has a beautiful round shape and spectacular white and pink blooms that are said to be quite fragrant. This tree does well in fast-draining acidic soil and needs full sun or partial shade. It is not drought, heat, or humidity tolerant but can easily grow in zones 5-8.

Okame Cherry Blossom Tree, Prunus x incamp ‘Okame’

The Okame cherry is a fast-growing hybrid cherry. This tree was created to be significantly cold tolerant than its one parent tree, Prunus incisa while maintaining the hot pink and red flowers of the other parent tree, Prunus campanulata.

Okame cherries need full sun but can tolerate light shade. Although it prefers moist, well-draining loamy soil, they are able to grow in all soil types. This gorgeous cherry grows in zones 6-8 and 15-25 feet tall; unfortunately, this cherry blossom also only has a lifespan of 15-25 years.

Akebono Cherry Tree, Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’

The Akebono cherry has a very similar growth habit to the Yoshino, with gorgeous and slightly more double pink blooms. It grows to about 25 feet tall and wide and does exceptionally well in the Pacific Northwest. It grows well in zones 4-8 and is extremely cold hardy.

The Akebono cherry blossom tree typically lives around 15-20 years.

Weeping Higan Cherry Tree, Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula’

The weeping cherry is probably my favorite of all cherry trees. Once you see one in all its glory, you might feel the same! It has the beauty of a cherry and the delicacy of a weeping tree.

The Higan cherry grows 20-40 feet tall and wide, with showstopping cascading branches full of white, pink, or even dark pink flowers. It does best in well-draining soils but can adapt to all soil types and grows well in zones 4-9, preferably zones 5-8. It has a short lifespan compared to other species of trees, but with a lifespan of 25-50 years

The weeping cherry is much longer than most cherries! It can even continue to live significantly longer, even up to 100 years or more. Higan cherries are considered to have good disease resistance.

Autumnalis Cherry Tree, Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’

The Autumnalis Cherry is a fast-growing tree, growing more than 2 feet per year! Its blooms begin in a dark pink when the bud first appears and open as light pink, and then to almost white. It is cold, hardy, heat, and stress-tolerant. It will have a sporadic bloom in warm fall weather and grows well in zones 4-8. 

Pink Flair® Cherry Tree, Prunus sargentii ‘JFS-KW58’

The Pink Flair® cherry has exceptional cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and heat tolerant. It is a more compact, upright growth habit and is incredibly disease-resistant. It grows to a height of 25 feet and a width of 15.

The Pink Flair® cherry tree has one of the longest cherry tree lifespans, lasting up to 50 years!

Kwanzan Cherry Blossom Tree, Prunus serrulata’ Kwanzan’

This cherry is commonly planted with Yoshino cherry blooms and grows up to 30-40 feet tall and wide. The Kwanzan cherry is also short-lived, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years. It does not do well in coastal areas and requires full sun. 

The Kwanzan cherry tree has gorgeous double dark pink flowers and does well in all types of soil. Although it prefers moist soil, it is partly drought tolerant but is also sensitive to pollution and stress.

Cherry Blossoms Are Used In Japanese Cuisine

In Japan, during early spring, you’ll see cherry blossom-flavored everything. Although the scent of cherry blossoms is so faint, you almost can’t smell it. 

When pickling the leaves and petals, the coumarin, a chemical found in cherries as well as many other plants, is brought to the surface, giving it a vanilla, floral, earthy, and slightly bitter scent.

Here are some of the most common uses of cherry blossoms in Japanese cuisine:

• Sakura Onigiri – Cherry blossom rice balls, leaves, and blossoms are pickled, mixed with rice, and formed into rice balls.
  
• Sakuramochi – There are a few varieties of this sweet sakura dessert, depending on which region of Japan it is from. There are Kansai and Kanto types, which are both wrapped with salted, pickled cherry blossom leaves. The Kansai sakura mochi is called Dōmyōji Mochi, in which the red bean center is wrapped with mochi made with Dōmyōji flour. On the other hand, Kanto sakura mochi, called chomeiji, is wrapped in something similar to a crepe.
  
• Sakurayu – This is a cherry blossom tea, where hot water is poured over pickled cherry blossom flowers. It is commonly reserved for celebratory occasions.
  
• Sakura anpan – The sakura anpan is similar to the bean paste sweet roll, and it is a sweet snack of bean paste surrounded by fluffy bread and topped with a pickled, salted cherry blossom.

That’s A Wrap!

There you have it! That’s all we have on the incredibly versatile cherry blossom trees. If you haven’t seen a cherry blossom bloom, check out if there are any in your area at local parks or try to make it to a cherry blossom festival; when they bloom, they will blow you away.

To recap, here are cherry blossom facts:

• Cherry blossoms don’t really have a strong smell, and it is fairly faint.
• Cherry blossom trees grow best in temperate regions and are part of the Prunus genus, which encompasses 600 species of stone fruit trees and shrubs.
• Washington DC has a famous cherry blossom festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
• Cherry blossom blooms last for about a week.
• Macon, Georgia, is the cherry blossom capital of the world.
• Cherry blossoms are an integral part of Japanese culture.
• Cherry blossoms are susceptible to a variety of diseases.
• There are disease-resistant cherry blossom trees.
• Cherry blossoms have a short life span, typically 15-25 years.
• Cherry blossoms are used in Japanese cuisine.

If you’re looking to enjoy cherry blossom blooms in your own yard, just be sure you get a variety that is cold or heat tolerant depending on your zone and have a spot with mostly full sun to plant it in, and opt for a more disease-resistant variety!

References:

Chung, Uran, et al. “Predicting the timing of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC and mid-Atlantic states in response to climate change.” PloS one 6.11 (2011): e27439.

Holb, I. J. “Brown rot blossom blight of pome and stone fruits: symptom, disease cycle, host resistance, and biological control.” International journal of horticultural science 14.3 (2008): 15-21.

Lim, JinHee, et al. “A new spray chrysanthemum cultivar,” Cherry Blossom” with resistant to white rust, single flower type and bright pink petals for cut flower.” Korean Journal of Breeding Science 40.4 (2008): 439-442.

Sakurai, Ryo, et al. “Culture and climate change: Japanese cherry blossom festivals and stakeholders’ knowledge and attitudes about global climate change.” Biological Conservation 144.1 (2011): 654-658.

Wittig, H. P. P., K. B. Johnson, and J. W. Pscheidt. “Effect of epiphytic fungi on brown rot blossom blight and latent infections in sweet cherry.” Plant Disease 81.4 (1997): 383-387.