Yoshino Cherry tree or the botanical name Prunus x yedoensis is quite a spectacular specimen when in bloom. Because of its low and spreading habit, it is not recommended to plant along side driveways, patios or streets. This specimen tree can stand alone in a plant bed to provide a showy display of pale pink blooms fading to white in March. The flowers will emerge before the foliage creating a complete tree of blooms. A perfect tree for your front gardens to wow your Easter dinner guests.
The Yoshino Cherry tree above was the incorrect tree selection. The mature size of the tree will reach approximately 15 feet in height and spread to about 25 feet wide. It prefers zones 5-8. A few more years and this gorgeous tree will hide the street sign. Pruning is not recommended because of its perfect form. You only want to remove branches that are rubbing or dead.
Another reason I love using this tree in my designs is the contrasting colors. Look at the deep dark brown bark against the light colored flowers. Just magnificent.
Because this tree grows rather low to the ground and roots are shallow, I recommend having a plant bed beneath the cherry tree and install a ground cover like vinca or pachysandra. I would use the white blooming vinca to brighten up the dark space beneath the tree.
The blooms are so beautiful.
Not only are the flowers, form of tree and contrasting colors a plus, so is the fact it provides yellow fall foliage color.
The Yoshino Cherry tree also comes in a weeping habit. It is incredibly graceful.
Another favorite plant of mine.
Happy Planting! www.dianadigsdirt.com
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
I have a mature 20 years old Yoshino (trunk diameter and height 5 ft., spread about 30 ft., and height over two stories) planted in the backyard of my townhouse next to the patio. The tree is about 14.5 ft. from the foundation of the house. I am concerned that the root system–large roots are exposed-may damage the house foundation and raise the patio to incline towards the house. Can my tree roots and branches be trimmed to significantly downsize the tree or should I have it cut down?
Good Morning Don,
This is a difficult one. I am sure the cherry tree is an absolute speciman plant for you.
The answer is yes, you can prune the branches and tree roots now. Pruning the roots will acclimate the plant to receiving less water. Only prune the roots you are concerned about. Next year at this time more roots can be pruned. This is a long process but well worth the wait.
The branches can be pruned also. Definately select branches in the middle of the tree that are crossing or are not adding to the structural beauty of the cherry tree.
It is recommended never to prune more than 30% or 1/3 of the plant.
Good luck Don
Diana
You have a wonderful informative blog. So nice to meet someone in my area. I’m in Clemmons.
I have a very young Yoshino and am rethinking where it is because of this article. It’s not close to the house but might be too close to the road. There are no over hanging wires to deal with. I am worried about the few large trucks that pass our street. I will have to go out and measure again to make sure. Thanks for helping to rethink the location.
I love this tree. It is a signature of our area isn’t it?
Hello Fellow Gardener,
Yoshino Cherry Trees are signature to NC as well as the Flowering Dogwood Tree and Crape Myrtle’s.
Definitely think about relocating your beautiful specimen so it will have ample room to spread out. This is not a tree to be pruned in a way that inhibits growth. Allow its form to spread out.
Happy Planting
Diana
Greetings from Atlanta Diana -
I have what I beleive to be a Kwanzan (pink flowers) and need to understand more about WHEN I can prune. I underatand not to trim more than 30% of sucker or crossing branches, but again just don’t know when is the ideal time to do this. Is there anythying that needs to be done to the freshly cut portion of the tree or branch to protect from disease?
Thank you
Hello Bret from Atlanta,
Ideal time and also safe is after your beauty finishes flowering.
I product called pruning seal can be sprayed onto the portion of the tree where the limb was cut. Cherry trees are suseptible to many insect and disease problems, so that was a good point Bret.
Good Luck and Happy Pruning
Diana
So I have a Cherry Yoshino tree, we planted it about 2 1/2 wks ago, and well I found the tint worms on it so we “seven” big killer, and it said to treat it and I did and now its got yellow leaves like its fall, well its not even summer yet, what can I do to help it!
I have a Yoshino planted 16 years ago about 20 feet from my house and 15 feet from the street. It is right next to my driveway, and overhangs my walkway. It is now 20 feet high and has a spread of 30 feet. The twos problem I have had are 1) Fruiting: The small quarter- to half-inch dark purple cherries drop onto my car and walkway, creating a mess for about 5 weeks between June and July. The birds love it.
2) Ants: Unless I apply Tanglefoot liberally to the trunk, a continuous procession of ants makes its way up and down the tree all summer — not a problem until the ants start making their home under my crawlspace. Overall, I would recommend this tree be planted as far from house and driveway as possible.
Diana, Thanks for the informative blog.
Can I plant Yoshino Cherry in zone 9 (San Francisco)? If not, what other 5-petal cherry blossom trees would you recommend?
Also, do you know where in Northern/Central California can you buy grown cherry blossom trees? Local nurseries I’ve visited carry only very young trees. I’ve searched all over the net and could not find much info either.
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks again.
Hi Peter,
Zone 9 can probably accept a Kwanzan, Okama or Shogetsu cherry or Purple Leaf Plum.
I live far far away, so i cannot recommend a plant nursery. I would call a local landscaper to inquire about the cherry trees you desire.
Good Luck and Happy Planting!
Help I have a 5 year old Yoshino cherry it has been the specimen of beauty and health.
All of the sudden in the last 5 days the leaves have yellowed all over the tree. I cannot see anything that would cause this issue. We have had plenty of rain this year so I know it’s not a drought issue.
I worried it will cross over to my beautiful Yoshino in our front yard.
Do you have any ideas?
I live in East Tennessee.
Thank you!
Marcie
I planted my Yoshino Cherry tree a couple weks ago (once planted I watered it about 10 minutes a day, in the morning). I believe I may have let it get to dry. The leves are starting to curl and are turning brown, but have not fallen. To try and stop this I have been watering the tree about 20 minutes every day (in the afternoon), apparently this is to much. I live in a area where tempertures are in the high 90’s to 100. My questions are: Am I watering to much? Is there anything else I should be doing? Please advise before my tree dies because of over watering on my part or if you can provide any other information or technics you think I can try. Thank you.
I have a Yoshino Cherry Tree that is 19 years old and is about 15′ tall. It has always bloomed beautifully and has always been healthy. This summer, however, we noticed it’s been struggling. It didn’t flower like it normally does and the leaves have been yellowing and falling off. The only change we’ve made was planting Hostas around the base of the tree 2 years ago. The Hosta were small when originally planted but this year have really taken off. Is it possible they are draining the nutrients from the tree? Should I remove the Hostas from around the base of the tree? We live in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Any help would be appreciated. I don’t want to lose this tree. It has great sentimental value. Thank you for your help.
Hi folks,
Well, I found out the issue with my Yoshino was it had gone into dought mode. I had to deep water it for a couple of days and now it’s fine.
It seems that since we’ve had an abundance of rain that when we didn’t have rain for a few days the tree went into drought mode.
So when we’ve had several days of heat and no rain I give it a good drink of water.
My two Yoshino Cherry trees are approximately 25-30 years old and have grown out of shape possibly due to shade from taller trees across the street. Is it safe for the health of the trees to cut large limbs about 20 ft up in the tree? Some of the limbs are about 5 inches in diameter. Thank you.
Hi, I’ve been searching online the last few days on what variety of cherry tree to plant, could you also help me by suggesting a variety of cherry tree for a limited space? We live in a townhouse, and it says online that San Diego is Zone 10 – 11 >.<
I like yoshino, snow fountain, and mt. fuji.
I would love any input and suggestions. ^-^
(Also, been wondering why, most of the online stores doesn't ship cherry trees to CA) (?)
Hi Precy,
I would suggest growing a cherry tree in a VERY large pot since you are in a townhouse, at least 2 feet in diameter. If you move the tree can easily be transported to the new home.
Thank you for stopping by
Diana is Digging Dirt
Dear Diana,
I have a mature Yoshino cherry tree which needs to have a couple of branches removed to aid its structure. I live in New England. Can I prune now in November or is it best to wait for March/April?
Also, the tree was planted around 1991/2. What is the life expectancy of this tree?
Thanks,
Don
Good Morning Don,
If you intend to just remove a few limbs, you can do so now. I would not prune anything else at this time because you will be decreasing the amount of blooms next spring. It is always safe to prune right after flowering.
I would not worry about life expectancy. These are the same trees planted around the tidal basin in Washington, DC.
Good Luck and Happy Planting!
Diana
Hello Diana,
I am hoping you can help. Last Spring I planted a Yoshino Cherry sapling, about a foot tall. Over the winter rabbits ate most of the tree and it is now growing back in more of a bush form, there are approximately 6 main stems and it is now about 4 feet tall. I am wondering what to do with this tree; should I keep it trimmed into a large bush or can I let it grow as is? Do I need to get rid of it and start over? Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Hello!
So glad I found this blog! This past April we planted 2 Yoshino Cherry Trees in our front yard. We had a few issues with fungus, japanese beetles, and also too much rain this summer, but now we are finally ok. This fall the leaves did not turn bright yellow, like I was hoping (but I’m not sure if that had something to do with all the rain we got here in Atlanta this year). Now that the temp is dropping and the leaves have fallen, what now? Should I prune, fertilize, water?? Or just let my trees ’sleep’ this winter. And how do I know if the trees are still healthy and happy? Please let me know if you have any recommendations. Thanks!
Sandra
Hello Sandra,
Let it sleep. The tree is dormant and not actively growing. Fertilizer will harm the tree and natural water fall will be sufficient.
The absolute best time to prune is right after they have flowered, however, there are always exceptions. If you see 2 branches crossing, prune to one most damaged. If you need to reshape the tree, do it now when it is easier to see. If you notice a diseased branch, prune it.
Hope this helps
Diana