While known for spring blossoms, the Yoshino cherry tree (Prunus x yedoensis) also thrives in summer. This period brings visual changes and requires specific care and awareness of potential challenges. Understanding its summer needs ensures continued health.
Summer Appearance of Yoshino Cherry
In summer, the Yoshino cherry tree transitions from vibrant blossoms to a lush, leafy canopy. Its leaves are ovate or elliptic, dark green, with serrated edges. These leaves provide dense shade, contributing to the tree’s broad-rounded, open crown.
The bark is a distinctive reddish-brown, marked with prominent lenticels—small, raised pores for gas exchange. While the famous white to pale pink flowers are absent in summer, small, shiny, black fruits (drupes) may develop. These fruits are typically consumed by birds and are not palatable to humans due to their bitter taste.
Essential Summer Care for Yoshino Cherry
Proper watering is important for Yoshino cherry trees in summer, especially during dry spells or high heat. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making the tree more resilient to drought. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry, allowing it to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root problems.
Mulching around the tree’s base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch beneath the canopy, ensuring it does not touch the trunk to prevent pest issues. Established trees require minimal summer fertilization; if needed, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for health. Avoid late summer fertilization, as it can stimulate new growth vulnerable to frost damage.
Light structural pruning in summer removes dead, diseased, or crossing branches, improving air circulation and tree health. Avoid heavy pruning in summer, as it can stress the tree and expose it to issues. Regular monitoring of growth and foliage color offers insights into its health and nutrient requirements.
Addressing Summer Challenges and Pests
Yoshino cherry trees can face summer challenges, including environmental stressors and pest infestations. Heat stress and drought damage appear as wilting, drooping, or discolored leaves, often signaling insufficient water. Adequate deep watering, especially for young trees, can mitigate these issues.
Common summer pests include sap-sucking insects like aphids and spider mites, which cause leaves to wilt, discolor, and fall prematurely. Neem oil, an effective plant-based insecticide, is mixed at two tablespoons per gallon of water and applied thoroughly to affected areas every 7 to 14 days if needed. Borers often attack stressed trees; maintaining tree health through proper care prevents them.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew appear as a white coating on leaves. Leaf spot causes reddish, dry spots that may drop out, creating a “shot-hole” appearance. Bacterial leaf spot causes similar symptoms. Early detection and removing infected branches help control their spread. Good air circulation through proper spacing and light pruning also helps prevent fungal development.