The cherry blossom tree, a member of the Prunus genus, is a diverse group of ornamental trees celebrated worldwide for its spring blooms. These trees are a collection of numerous cultivars and hybrids, meaning their mature size is highly variable. A tree’s final dimensions are determined by its inherent genetic blueprint and the environmental conditions where it is planted. Understanding these variables is necessary to select the right tree for a specific landscape space.
Average Mature Dimensions
The mature size of a cherry blossom tree depends heavily on the specific cultivar chosen, falling into three broad categories: large, medium, and dwarf. Large, classic varieties, such as the Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis), typically reach 30 to 50 feet tall with a similar canopy spread. The Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) is a medium-to-large type, often growing 30 to 40 feet tall and equally wide, forming a dense, rounded crown.
Medium-sized cultivars often feature a more distinct form, such as the Weeping Cherry (Prunus pendula). This variety generally achieves a height of 15 to 25 feet but can spread just as wide, giving it a broad, fountain-like appearance. The canopy spread of many cherry trees, especially broad-crowned types like Yoshino, can equal or exceed the tree’s height, requiring significant horizontal space.
For smaller gardens, several dwarf and columnar varieties offer compact alternatives. The ‘Amanogawa’ cultivar is a columnar tree that grows to about 13 feet tall but only spreads 3 feet wide, making it ideal for narrow spaces. Other compact varieties, like Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’, form a small, rounded tree reaching approximately 13 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Factors Influencing Final Size
A tree’s final size within its genetic range is influenced by its growing environment, beginning with the climate. Cherry blossom trees thrive best within USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, as they require winter chill to set buds. If temperatures are too high in a subtropical climate, the tree may grow vigorously but struggle with flower bud differentiation.
Soil quality is a significant factor in determining overall size and health. The trees prefer well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic conditions. Poorly draining soil is detrimental, as cherry trees cannot tolerate standing water, which leads to root rot and stunted growth. Organic matter is also important, contributing to soil aggregate stability and nutrient availability.
Light exposure also plays a role in reaching maximum potential size, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily necessary for optimal growth and flowering. In regions with intense heat and dry conditions, partial afternoon shade can help conserve moisture. Root growth, which supports the canopy, can cease when soil temperatures in the upper layer reach approximately 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius).
Controlling Tree Size
Choosing the right variety is the most effective step in controlling size, as a dwarf tree requires less management than a large one. Selecting naturally small or columnar varieties eliminates the need for aggressive pruning to maintain a compact shape. For trees that still require size reduction, two distinct pruning techniques are employed to manage the canopy.
Thinning Cuts
One technique is the thinning cut, which involves removing an entire branch back to its point of origin at the trunk or a main limb, leaving the branch collar intact. This method opens the canopy for better air and light circulation. It effectively reduces the tree’s overall density and size without encouraging a flush of new growth, and is often preferred for maintaining the natural shape of a mature tree.
Heading Cuts
Alternatively, a heading cut involves removing only a portion of a branch, cutting back to a lateral bud or a smaller side branch. While this technique can be used to control the height of a young tree, it stimulates dense, bushy growth near the cut, which may not be desirable in the long term. For significant size reduction, pruning is best performed in the summer after the tree has bloomed, as cutting during this period uses the tree’s stored energy reserves and slows its growth rate.