Yoshino Cherry Tree

1. Planting: Select an area with well-drained soil and full to partial sun (4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day). The best time to plant your tree is in the spring after the last frost, or in the fall about six weeks before the first frost.

Dig your hole just as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Leave a small mound of dirt in the center of the hole to set the root ball on and carefully spread the roots in the hole. You’ll want to keep the “crown” (tip of the root ball) of the tree roughly an inch above the surrounding soil level. Backfill your hole roughly about two-thirds of the way full. Water the tree and fill the rest of the planting hole with soil.

Finally, spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch over the root area of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk and extending to the tree's drip line.

2. Watering: Water the tree when the top 2 inches of soil dries (a slow trickle with a garden hose for about 30 minutes is recommended). This could be about twice a week in the summer, or every three weeks in the fall.

3. Fertilizing: Flowering Cherry Trees do not require fertilizer for the first two years, but when the time comes, fertilize the tree with nitrogen. Apply 1/10 pound of actual nitrogen per year for each year of the tree’s age, with a maximum of 1 pound per year. Apply it once in the spring, or spread the nitrogen amount into 2 to 4 equal applications over the spring and summer.

4. Pruning: Removal of the current year’s old, faded flowers and fruit clusters will promote flower buds for the following season. We also recommend pruning your tree during dormancy to remove dead or damaged branches. Cut small branches less than 3/4 inch in diameter with pruning shears. Use a pruning saw for larger branches. Remove branches just outside the branch collar.

BB Tip: Sterilize your pruning tools with a basic household rubbing alcohol for a healthy cut.