If you’ve got one of them ornamental cherry trees in your yard, you probably wonder when’s the right time to give it a good prune. You know, cut back them branches to keep it healthy and looking nice? Well, don’t you worry, I’m here to tell ya when the best time is, and how to do it without messing things up!
Now, listen up! The best time to prune an ornamental cherry tree is when it’s in its dormant phase. That’s usually late winter or early spring, before it starts waking up and sprouting new leaves. See, this is when the tree ain’t doing much, and it ain’t got no new growth to mess up. So, you can prune it all you want, and the tree’s gonna heal real quick after that. Late February to early April is when you wanna get to it, depending on where you live, of course.
Pruning in the winter or early spring also helps because the tree’s already stored up all its energy from the cold months. That way, when you cut the branches, it can heal quicker and won’t be so stressed out. Now, you don’t want to prune during the summer, no sir, ’cause that can make the tree sick, and we don’t want no disease running through our garden, right?
How to Prune an Ornamental Cherry Tree?
So, now that you know when to do it, let’s talk about how to prune that tree properly. First thing’s first, grab yourself some sharp pruning shears or a pruning saw if the branches are bigger. It’s important to have sharp tools, so you don’t crush the branches, and the tree can heal right.
Start by cutting off any dead or diseased branches. You’ll want to get rid of any wood that looks all black or broken. These branches ain’t doing the tree no good, so it’s best to take ‘em off. Next, you wanna cut back any branches that are crossing over each other or growing inward. That way, the tree’s got good airflow and won’t get all crowded in there.
Now, don’t go cutting too much. You ain’t trying to turn that beautiful tree into a stick! Just trim it enough so it looks nice and healthy, and so the sun can get to all parts of the tree. Make sure to always cut just above a bud, but not too close, so the bud can grow without any trouble.
Why Do We Prune Cherry Trees?
Well, pruning your ornamental cherry tree ain’t just for looks. It also helps keep the tree healthy. By cutting off the dead wood, you’re stopping any diseases from spreading. Plus, you’re encouraging new growth, and that’s what gives ya them pretty blossoms come springtime!
Another reason you prune is to control the shape and size of the tree. Now, cherry trees can get real big if you let them, but you don’t want it taking over your yard. So, a good prune can help keep it in check. Just don’t go too wild with the pruning. You still want it to look nice and full, not all spindly and sad!
What to Avoid When Pruning?
- Don’t prune during the summer! This can make the tree vulnerable to diseases, especially that silver leaf disease that likes to mess with cherry trees.
- Don’t cut too much at once. If you trim off too much, you could stress the tree out, and it won’t grow back as strong.
- And make sure to sterilize your tools! If you don’t clean them, you could spread disease from one tree to another.
So, just remember, prune in late winter or early spring when your ornamental cherry tree’s dormant. It’s the best time to do it, and the tree won’t be stressed out. And when you’re cutting, make sure you’re being careful, and don’t cut too much. With a little care, you’ll have a healthy, beautiful tree in your yard for years to come!
Tags：[prune ornamental cherry tree, best time to prune, cherry tree pruning, dormant pruning, late winter pruning, early spring pruning, how to prune cherry tree, pruning tips]
