How to Prune Japanese cherry?

(Prunus serrulata)

Japanese cherry, also known as Japanese flowering cherry, Hill cherry, Sakura

Characterized by its ornate blossoms, japanese cherry benefits from pruning to maintain shape and promote health. Prune just before spring growth, in late winter to early spring. Utilize thinning cuts to remove crowded branches and enhance light penetration. Focus on dead or diseased wood and crossing limbs that could damage bark. Correct pruning ensures improved air circulation, reducing disease risk and encouraging vibrant blooms the following season. Remember to sterilize tools to prevent pathogen spread.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Japanese Cherry?

Pruning japanese cherry is essential for maintaining a vigorous growth pattern and a visually pleasing shape. Strategic cuts can stimulate strong new branches, enhance blooming, and sustain the iconic ornamental form of japanese cherry.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Japanese Cherry?

Spring

Winter

These seasons are considered best for pruning japanese cherry because they align with the plant's dormancy period, minimizing stress and potential for disease. Late winter pruning allows japanese cherry to quickly heal when growth resumes in spring, while reducing impact on flower production, as japanese cherry blooms on old wood. Early spring pruning is also suitable, allowing removal of any winter damage before the onset of new growth. This timing ensures japanese cherry's energy is directed towards producing healthy new shoots and maintaining a robust structure, promoting optimal health and a spectacular bloom display.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Japanese Cherry?

Bypass Pruners

Ideal for making clean cuts on japanese cherry's smaller branches, usually up to 1/2 inch in diameter, without causing unnecessary damage to the plant tissue.

Loppers

Recommended for cutting thicker branches on japanese cherry, typically up to 2 inches in diameter, providing longer handles for leverage and greater reach.

Pruning Saw

Used for japanese cherry's larger branches over 2 inches in diameter, the saw allows for precision cuts without tearing the bark, which is essential for the tree's health.

Hand Shears

For shaping japanese cherry and handling finer, more delicate pruning tasks, hand shears allow for meticulous snipping of twigs and foliage.

Pole Pruner

Applicable when japanese cherry's branches are out of normal reach, and there's a need to prune without using a ladder, promoting safety and precision.

Wound Sealant

After large cuts, wound sealant can be used on japanese cherry's branches to promote healing and prevent disease, although this practice is sometimes debated among experts and should be used judiciously.

How to Prune Japanese Cherry

Step1: Assessment of Plant Health and Structure

Assess the overall health and structure of japanese cherry before starting to prune. Identify the dead wood, diseased limbs, and non-flowering shoots that require attention. Ensure to prune during late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant, to minimize stress and sap loss.

Step2: Sterilization of Pruning Tools

Sterilize your pruning tools with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to prevent the spread of disease. Clean the tools again between cuts if you're removing diseased wood.

Step3: Removal of Dead Wood

Start by removing any dead wood. Cut these branches at the point where they join a larger branch or the trunk. Make clean cuts without leaving stubs. Angle the cuts so that water can run off the wounds, which helps prevent rot.

Step4: Elimination of Diseased Limbs

Examine japanese cherry for diseased limbs. These limbs may show signs of discoloration, unusual growths, or wounds. Remove these limbs by making cuts into healthy tissue well below the diseased areas to prevent the spread of infection.

Step5: Pruning of Non-Flowering Shoots

Prune non-flowering shoots to encourage more prolific blooming next season. These are typically shoots that grew during the current year. Trim back to a point where there are outward-facing buds to shape japanese cherry and to encourage outward growth.

Step6: Thinning for Light and Air Circulation

Thin out the interior of japanese cherry to increase light penetration and air circulation. Remove crossing branches and those that grow inward toward the center of the tree. Maintain an open, vase-like structure, which is characteristic of japanese cherry.

Step7: Final Pruning Inspection

Conduct a final inspection of japanese cherry to remove any small twigs or branches that may have been overlooked during the initial pruning steps. This helps to maintain the desired shape and appearance of japanese cherry.

Step8: Disposal of Pruned Material

Dispose of all removed plant material, especially diseased limbs, to prevent the possibility of disease spread. Composting is generally not advised for diseased plant material.

Step9: Post-Pruning Plant Hydration

Water japanese cherry after pruning to provide moisture and help the tree recover from the stress of pruning. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Step10: Monitoring Post-Pruning Recovery

Monitor japanese cherry for signs of new growth and healing throughout the growing season. Make sure that the tree does not show signs of distress, which could indicate the need for additional care or disease treatment.

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Post-Pruning Care for Japanese Cherry

Immediately after pruning japanese cherry, ensure clean cuts to prevent infection. Maintain a humid environment without waterlogging the soil, and place japanese cherry in dappled sunlight. Start fertilization a month post-pruning with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage recovery. Monitor japanese cherry for wilted leaves or oozing sap as stress signs, and if detected, treat promptly with appropriate fungicide or insecticide. Adjust care as needed in response to japanese cherry's growth and health signs.

Common Pruning Mistakes with Japanese Cherry

Incorrect Pruning Intensity Impacts Health and Bloom

Pruning too much or too little: Gardeners may inadvertently remove too much of japanese cherry's canopy, which can stress the plant and reduce flowering, or prune too sparingly, leading to dense foliage that can hinder sunlight penetration and air circulation.

Damaging Plant with Dull or Dirty Pruning Tools

Using improper pruning tools: Utilizing dull or unclean pruning instruments can damage japanese cherry's branches and create jagged cuts that are more prone to disease and pests.

Spreading Disease by Not Removing Unhealthy Wood

Neglecting to remove diseased or damaged wood: Failure to identify and cut away unhealthy wood can allow diseases to spread throughout japanese cherry, compromising its overall health and aesthetic appeal.

Common Pruning Tips for Japanese Cherry

Ensure Clean and Sharp Cuts with Sanitized Tools

Use sharp, clean cutting tools: Ensure that pruning shears, saws, or loppers are sharp and sanitized before and after pruning to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of infecting japanese cherry with diseases.

Shape for Light and Air with Open Canopy Structure

Focus on shaping and maintaining structure: Aim to create an open canopy that allows light and air to reach the inner parts of japanese cherry, removing any crossing or rubbing branches that can create wounds and entry points for disease.

Selective Pruning for Controlled Growth and Form

Prune selectively for size control and aesthetic: While refraining from heavy pruning, selectively remove branches to control the size and maintain the desired shape of japanese cherry, ensuring cuts are made at a 45-degree angle just above a bud facing the outside of the plant to encourage outward growth.