How to Prune a Cherry Blossom Tree for Beautiful Blooms Every Year, According to Gardening Experts

The cherry blossom tree (Prunus serrulata) is renowned for its delicate pink-and-white flowers, serving as a striking centerpiece in any landscape. The iconic blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and some varieties even produce small fruits that animals enjoy snacking on.

While the cherry blossom tree is easy to grow, regular pruning is crucial for the tree's overall health and aesthetic. Pruning improves air circulation, encourages new growth, enhances flower production, and allows you to control the shape and look of your tree. Removing dead or diseased branches creates an open canopy for better airflow and sunlight to the inner branches, reducing the risk of fungal disease while promoting longevity. 

By following these pruning guidelines from our experts, you can ensure that your cherry blossom tree thrives for years.

When to Prune a Cherry Blossom Tree

The best time to prune a cherry blossom tree is between late winter and early spring when the tree is still dormant and bare, but the threat of extended severe cold snaps has passed, says Jacob Mentlik, nursery manager for Fedco Trees.

Cuts made too early in the winter may be vulnerable to injury from extremely low temperatures. However, if you wait too long to prune, the warm and humid conditions of spring can make cuts more susceptible to potential diseases, says Mentlik.

You can prune a cherry blossom tree in the summer, but be sure to do so after the blooms have fallen and the fruiting is complete in late summer. This gives your tree enough time to heal before winter.

How to Prune a Young Cherry Blossom Tree

Young cherry blossom trees require minimal pruning during the first few years after planting. "The focus during this period is on developing the structure or framework that the tree will maintain for years to come," says Mentlik.

Choose Scaffold Branches

In the second or third year when the tree starts to branch out, select four to five scaffold branches that will support future blossoms and fruit. Remove the rest of the branches. A scaffold branch is a permanent branch that grows directly from the trunk of a tree and forms the main structure of its framework. "Scaffold branches should be roughly 4 inches apart along the trunk and radiate in different compass directions so that they are not on top of each other," says Mentlik.

Remove Lateral Shoots Branches for Pruning

As the tree grows, remove any vigorous lateral shoots that compete with the central leader, says Mentlik. The central leader is the dominant shoot that grows from the center of the tree and is typically the highest point of the tree.

It's best not to cut the top off of the central leader when pruning a cherry blossom tree. This can damage the tree and cause stunted growth. Instead, the focus should remain on shaping the tree.

How to Prune a Mature Cherry Blossom Tree

When the tree is mature and producing flowers and fruit, the focus of pruning shifts toward opening up the tree to receive as much sunlight and airflow as possible.

Remove Dead, Diseased, or Crossing Branches

Once your tree has matured, it's essential to regularly remove any dead or damaged branches, as these can harbor diseases that may spread to other parts of the tree. Next, remove any branches that are crossing over or rubbing up against others. Mentlik says to imagine your tree in the spring covered in blossoms. If it seems too crowded for light and air to freely flow between the branches, thin them out. 

Prune for Overall Structure

Prune older wood to maintain the tree's shape and structure, says Mentlik. Doing so also encourages healthy new growth. “You can also remove any suckers or sprouts coming up from the base of the tree or below your first scaffold branch," he says. This annual pruning will help your tree stay healthy and live a long life.

Remove Lower Branches

One of the main goals of regularly pruning a flowering cherry tree is to create harmony with the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, trim the lower branches of the tree. This provides more space for other plants to grow beneath the tree and allows for easier access for maintenance activities, says David Goddard lead horticulturist at Riverside Group in Maine.

Remove Unproductive Branches

To create a more vibrant display of flowers, Goddard recommends pruning some of the inner, less productive branches of the tree. “By redirecting the tree's energy away from these non-flowering limbs, you can encourage more abundant blooming, leading to a stunning showcase of blossoms," he says.

How Often to Prune a Cherry Blossom Tree

A cherry blossom tree should be pruned every year once it has reached maturity. “Pruning is a fundamental practice in tree care that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your landscape but also promotes the health and vitality of your trees,” says Goddard.

How to Care for a Cherry Blossom Tree After Pruning

After pruning, water and apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture. Keep an eye out for any signs of disease or stress, such as wilted leaves, discolored foliage, stunted new growth, or visible pests and fungal infections like powdery mildew or leaf spots. If you notice your tree has these symptoms, consider contacting a local arborist to mitigate any issues.