How to Care for a Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry Tree
A snow fountain weeping cherry tree is a deciduous tree that prefers USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 and full sun. According to Washington State University, this weeping cherry tree grows to a height of 12 feet with an 8-foot spread, and produces showy, white flowers that bloom from April through May. The snow fountain, because of its size, is suitable for planting in small yards and under power lines. It is known as the smaller version of the weeping higan cherry, and has the same care requirements.
Choose a spot in full sun to partial sun. If you live in an area with longer, cooler winters, choose a spot with full sun, rather than partial sun.
Test the soil for nutrients. Though the snow fountain adapts to poor soils, for best blossom results, amend the soil if the test shows lacking nutrients. The soil should be well drained. Plant the snow fountain by digging a planting hole that is twice the width of the root ball and as deep as the root ball. Center the tree in the planting hole, then backfill with soil.
- A snow fountain weeping cherry tree is a deciduous tree that prefers USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 and full sun.
- According to Washington State University, this weeping cherry tree grows to a height of 12 feet with an 8-foot spread, and produces showy, white flowers that bloom from April through May.
- The snow fountain, because of its size, is suitable for planting in small yards and under power lines.
Mulch the weeping cherry with compost or pulverized bark in the spring. Change the mulch in the fall. For a tree that is taller than a few feet, use 3 inches of compost or mulch. For smaller trees, use 1 to 2 inches of compost or pulverized bark. The mulch helps to keep moisture in the ground, and, during the winter, keeps the roots warm.
Water the snow fountain with at least an inch of water each week. Watering deeply every week keeps the soil moist to a depth of 4 to 5 inches, which provides moisture and nutrients for the deeper roots.
- Mulch the weeping cherry with compost or pulverized bark in the spring.
- For a tree that is taller than a few feet, use 3 inches of compost or mulch.
Check the weeping cherry for pests and disease. The earlier the pests and diseases are caught, the easier it is to eradicate them. If the infestation is too bad, you could lose the snow fountain, or at the very least, it will affect the number of blooms.
Fertilize the snow fountain every three years, if a soil test shows that the soil is lacking nutrients. Use a flowering shrub and tree fertilizer that is based with the lacking nutrient. If the soil is naturally poor, fertilize every year with an all-around, evenly fortified (10-10-10) fertilizer.
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Writer Bio
Cayden Conor has been writing since 1996. She has been published on several websites and in the winter 1996 issue of "QECE." Conor specializes in home and garden, dogs, legal, automotive and business subjects, with years of hands-on experience in these areas. She has an Associate of Science (paralegal) from Manchester Community College and studied computer science, criminology and education at University of Tampa.
