Straightening Up Your Cherry Blossom: A Gardener's Guide to Sideways Growth

The Curious Case of the Sideways Cherry Blossom: A Guide for New Gardeners

Cherry blossoms, with their ephemeral beauty and promise of spring, are a gardener’s delight. But what happens when your cherished cherry blossom tree starts exhibiting some unusual growth patterns? Perhaps the original branches are flopping sideways, while new, upright growth emerges, defying the established form. This is a common scenario, and understanding the underlying causes and the appropriate course of action is key to ensuring your cherry blossom thrives.

Understanding the Issue: Why the Sideways Shift?

Before diving into solutions, let’s explore why a cherry blossom might lean to one side. The initial sideways growth is often a result of a few key factors:

• Weak Structure: Young trees, especially those recently transplanted or grown in less-than-ideal conditions, may not have developed a robust enough root system or trunk to support the weight of their branches, leading to a leaning or drooping appearance.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to strong winds, uneven sunlight, or heavy snowfall can also contribute to branches bending sideways over time. The tree’s growth may be influenced by the prevailing environmental conditions, causing it to adapt its form.
• Grafting Issues: Many ornamental cherry trees are grafted, meaning a desired variety (the scion) is joined onto a rootstock. Sometimes, the graft union might be weak, or the rootstock might be incompatible with the scion, leading to structural problems.

Assessing the Situation: What’s Happening With Your Tree?

Carefully observe your cherry blossom to determine the extent of the problem:

• Identify the Growth Patterns: Are the original branches significantly drooping or lying horizontally, while the new growth shoots upwards? Is the new growth vigorous and healthy-looking?
• Examine the Trunk: Is the trunk itself leaning, or are the branches simply drooping? Check for any signs of damage, disease, or pests.
• Consider the Age and History: How old is the tree? Has it been recently transplanted? What has the weather been like in your area?

These observations will help you make an informed decision about the best course of action.

The Pruning Dilemma: To Cut or Not to Cut?

When faced with the sideways growth, the most pressing question is often whether to prune away the original, drooping branches. This is a crucial decision, and the answer depends on the specific circumstances of your tree.

The Case for Pruning:

• Promoting Upright Growth: If the new growth is healthy and strong, and you desire a more traditional, upright cherry blossom form, pruning away the original branches can redirect the tree’s energy towards the new, vertical shoots. This can eventually result in a more aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound tree.
• Preventing Future Problems: Drooping branches can sometimes be more susceptible to damage from wind, snow, or ice. Removing them can reduce the risk of breakage and potential injury to the tree.
• Improving Air Circulation: Pruning can also improve air circulation within the tree’s canopy, which can help to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

The Case Against Immediate Pruning:

• The Value of Patience: Before making any drastic cuts, consider giving the tree some time to adjust. Young trees, especially, can sometimes correct their form naturally as they mature and develop a stronger root system. Observe the tree over a season or two to see if the situation improves on its own.
• Potential Shock: Excessive pruning can shock a tree, especially if it’s already stressed. This can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease or pests.
• Preserving the Original Form (If Desired): If you appreciate the unique, weeping-like appearance of the sideways branches, you might choose to preserve them, especially if they are still healthy and producing blossoms.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning (If You Choose To)

If, after careful consideration, you decide to prune away the original branches, follow these steps:

1. Timing is Key: The best time to prune a cherry blossom is in late winter or early spring, before the buds begin to swell. This allows the tree to heal quickly and reduces the risk of disease.
2. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a sharp pair of pruning shears (for smaller branches) and a pruning saw (for larger branches). Make sure your tools are clean to prevent the spread of disease.
3. Assess the Situation Again: Before making any cuts, take another look at the tree and plan your approach. Identify the branches you want to remove and the branches you want to retain.
4. Make the Cuts: When pruning, always make clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk). Avoid leaving stubs, as these can be entry points for disease.
5. Remove the Original Branches: If you’re removing the original, sideways branches, cut them back to the point where they emerge from the trunk or where they join the new, upright growth. Be careful not to damage the remaining branches.
6. Encourage Upward Growth: If you want to encourage the new growth to become the primary structure of the tree, you can selectively prune some of the new shoots to promote a strong, central leader.
7. Monitor and Maintain: After pruning, keep a close eye on your cherry blossom. Water it regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize it in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Watch for any signs of disease or pests.

Alternative Solutions and Supporting Your Tree

Pruning isn’t the only solution. Consider these supporting actions:

• Staking: If the trunk is leaning significantly, consider gently staking the tree to provide support while it establishes its root system. Use soft ties to avoid damaging the bark.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Watering: Water your cherry blossom regularly, especially during dry spells. Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, frequent watering.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize your tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.
• Protection from the Elements: Protect your tree from strong winds, heavy snowfall, and extreme temperatures.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

While you can often correct a leaning cherry blossom, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips for giving your tree the best start in life:

• Choose the Right Location: Plant your cherry blossom in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Avoid planting it in a spot that is exposed to strong winds.
• Proper Planting: When planting your tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently loosen the roots before planting. Backfill the hole with a mixture of the original soil and compost.
• Watering: Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few years after planting. Don’t overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Early Pruning: Prune your cherry blossom in the early years to encourage a strong structure.

The Takeaway: A Blossoming Future

Dealing with a cherry blossom tree that’s gone sideways can be a bit of a gardening puzzle. However, by carefully observing your tree, understanding the underlying causes, and taking the appropriate actions, you can help it thrive and bring you years of breathtaking beauty. Remember, patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt are key to success in the garden. Enjoy the journey, and savor the stunning display of blossoms that await you each spring.