Weeping Cherry Tree Problems

Natives of Japan, the weeping cherry trees are of moderate sizes. Their long drooping branches like the weeping willow, that get covered in beautiful light pink or white blossoms in spring make them a sight to behold. Like other trees of the weeping form, weeping cherry trees provide a lot of shade under their drooping branches. Hence it is difficult to grow anything under the shade. These trees belong to the genus Prunus and grow between 20 and 40 feet tall. There are a number of varieties of this tree, the most common of which are the Shidare Yoshino, Hogan and the snow fountain weeping cherry trees. Although these trees grow in soils that have less nutrients, they are prone to a number of diseases. Here are some weeping cherry tree problems and tips on weeping cherry tree care.

Weeping Cherry Tree Problems

Weeping Cherry Tree Disease
Bacterial diseases like leaf spot and and twig canker are some of the common weeping cherry tree problems. This disease can be detected by the presence of black or brown spot and dull brown spots in place of the smooth bronze bark of the youngest branches. The cherry leaf roll virus delays flowering in the tree and also spoils the fruits.

Weeping cherry tree suffers from fungal infestations like the red spot that causes holes in the leaves or the powdery mildew that manifests as deposits of fine white powder on leaves of weeping cherry tree. Silvery leaf fungus makes the leaves appear silvery. Cherry leaf spot causes dark spots on the leaves and their early loss. Brown rot causes the fruit to rot and also affects the branches and flowers of the weeping cherry tree. Fungus on weeping cherry tree, if detected early, can be stopped from spreading to other parts of the tree.

Weeping Cherry Tree Pests
When the weeping cherry tree gets enough amount of water and sunlight, it is usually free from pests or fungal infections. However, under drought like conditions, it becomes an easy prey for aphids, spider mites and borers. Tent caterpillars are another pest of the weeping cherry trees that gardeners should keep a look out for.

How to Take Care of a Weeping Cherry Tree?

Controlling Pests and Diseases
Ensuring appropriate moisture content in soil is the best way to keep the tree free of pests and fungal infections. Although pesticides can be used to tackle most of the pests, there is an easy, organic way of controlling common pests like spider mites, aphids and borers, and that is using insects like pirate bugs and lady beetles. Alternately, Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) can be use to get rid of spider mites.

To tackle the problem of tent caterpillars, trim the parts that bear the nests. Garden borers can be kept off the weeping cherry tree bark by either spraying the bark or applying a coat of solution made by mixing half a pound of diatomaceous earth with a tablespoon of liquid soap. Read more on pest control.

General Weeping Cherry Tree Care
These trees can grow in almost any soil type, but they require plenty of water. Hence plant them close to some water source like a pond or lake. They prefer a well watered soil. However, ensure that the soil does not get water clogged. Weeping cherry trees are very sensitive to water content in the soil. Hence, be sure that the soil is moist and well drained for proper growth.

Weeping cherry trees love sunlight. Also given that fact that these trees should get enough space for their branches to attain their full growth, plant these trees in large open spaces where they would get proper sunlight and enough place so that the beauty of its flowers can be appreciated when they are in full blossom.

Weeping cherry tree pruning and trimming is important to ensure that these trees grow properly. Although it is rare, in case a new leader branch comes out from the tree, trim it to prevent nutrients being directed to that branch. Trim the tips of the hanging branches just a few inches above the ground. While pruning or trimming weeping cherry tree, be careful of not injuring any part of the tree as that would leave the bark open to fungal and bacterial infections.

Weeping cherry trees are wonderful consideration for landscaping. If you are planning to include this majestic tree in his landscape design, it is important for you to know the common weeping cherry tree problems and how to care for weeping cherry trees. With proper care these trees become the pride of their owner as they stand in splendor with their blossoms in full bloom during the spring season .