Care for Weeping Cherry Tree
- 1). Water a newly planted weeping cherry tree weekly, at a rate of 1 inch per week in lieu of rain, using a soaker hose. Dryer weather may warrant twice-a-week waterings to keep the soil moist. Once established, the weeping cherry will only require supplemental watering during a drought.
- 2). Spread bark mulch under the canopy of the weeping cherry tree. A 3- to 4-inch layer of bark chip mulch improves drainage and keeps weeds at bay. Spread the mulch 6 inches from the trunk of the tree to prevent pest invasions.
- 3). Prune the weeping cherry tree in the late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant. Use a pruning tool to remove dead, diseased or damaged branches, as well as those that grow inward toward the main trunk of the tree. Make the cuts on a 45-degree angle, 1 inch from the growth point.
- 4). Feed the weeping cherry a diet of all-purpose fertilizer. Check the packaging label for allocation amounts and frequency. Most weeping cherry species appreciate a dose of fertilizer in the early spring prior to the development of new growth.
- 5). Contact a professional arborist if you notice pests infesting your weeping cherry tree or the presence of disease. Immediate action can save the life of the tree, freeing it from the pests or diseases that are causing defoliation or bark damage. A professional arborist can identify the pest and recommend the correct treatment options.
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