Weeping cherry trees are popular ornamental trees, widely admired for their striking spring blossoms. While known for their delicate flowers, understanding their appearance and care requirements during summer is important for maintaining their health and beauty. Summer presents unique considerations for these trees, particularly concerning their foliage, hydration, and protection from environmental stressors.
Summer Foliage and Features
During summer, the weeping cherry tree transitions from its vibrant floral display to a lush green canopy. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and serrated, creating a dense, glossy appearance. This foliage provides a refreshing contrast to the bare branches of winter and the delicate blooms of spring. The characteristic weeping branch structure remains prominent, with slender branches gracefully arching downwards.
Small, inconspicuous fruits, red to black in color, develop on the branches in summer. These fruits are tiny, up to one-third of an inch in diameter, and are sour and not edible for humans. Birds often favor these small cherries. The dense summer canopy can also provide considerable shade, making it a pleasant focal point in a garden or landscape.
Summer Watering and Nutrition
Consistent moisture is important for weeping cherry trees during summer, especially during dry periods. Deep, infrequent watering is more beneficial than shallow, frequent applications, encouraging roots to grow deeper for better stability and moisture access. Water until the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, then provide a slow, deep soak to thoroughly moisten the root ball. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Applying a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the tree’s base helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. This layer also suppresses weed growth, which competes for water and nutrients. When mulching, keep the material a few inches away from the tree trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential disease issues. Mature weeping cherry trees do not require summer fertilization unless they show signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If fertilization is necessary, a slow-release granular fertilizer applied in early spring is sufficient for the entire growing season.
Summer Pruning and Pest Management
While major structural pruning of weeping cherry trees is best reserved for dormant winter months, summer offers an opportune time for specific maintenance. Removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches is a suitable summer task, as the tree’s overall health can be clearly assessed with its full foliage. Light shaping to maintain the tree’s distinctive weeping form can also be performed, ensuring clean cuts are made to promote healthy healing.
Weeping cherry trees can encounter common summer pests, such as aphids and spider mites, which can cause leaf discoloration or distortion. Inspecting the undersides of leaves regularly helps in early detection. Diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as white, powdery spots on leaves, or leaf spot, characterized by dark lesions, can also emerge. Good air circulation around the tree helps prevent fungal issues. For minor infestations or infections, horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can be effective, while more severe problems might require specific fungicides or insecticides.
Protecting from Summer Stress
Protecting weeping cherry trees from common summer stressors like intense heat and drought is important for their long-term health. Signs of heat stress include wilting leaves or leaf scorch, where leaf margins turn brown and crispy. Ensuring adequate air circulation around the tree, by not planting too closely to other trees or structures, helps dissipate heat and reduce humidity.
For young weeping cherry trees, especially in sunny locations, applying a tree wrap to the trunk can protect against sunscald, a condition where bark is damaged by intense sunlight. Consistent and proper watering is a primary defense against both heat and drought stress. Maintaining appropriate soil moisture levels helps the tree cope with high temperatures and minimizes the impact of dry spells.