How can I revitalize a weeping cherry blossom tree?

I have an established weeping cherry blossom tree in my front yard (west facing). It appears to have had better days. I think the drought a couple of summers ago damaged it. We lost one of its large limbs several years ago in a storm. Now that its flowering again, we're noticing that a good many of the tendrils are dead, though most are still alive and flowering. Is there anything I can do to help revitalize the tree/make sure that it's healthy? Thanks, Zach

Weeping cherry is a beautiful tree with its graceful branches. It has such a nice soft pink flower in the spring. The problem is that weeping cherries are not very happy in our climate. Ornamental cherry trees do best in cooler climates with even moisture. Unfortunately in our climate because of the uneven weather patterns this tree has a shorter life span. Simply put is a short-lived tree. Ten to twenty years is probably a good life. That is unless it has excellent care. Weeping cherries do not thrive under drought conditions and branch dieback as you describe is typical. The best line of defense is to always treat this tree with “kid gloves.” By that I mean water on a regular bases to stave off drought, mulch around the tree to keep the roots cool and plant in a location out of the hot and drying summer winds.

At this point, prune to remove the deadwood and provide a little extra TLC. Time will tell whether the tree recovers enough of its beauty to be landscape worthy in the future. It may be too late for the plant but you could always plant for the future.

Dennis – Johnson County K-State Extension

This story was originally published April 16, 2014 at 10:50 AM with the headline "How can I revitalize a weeping cherry blossom tree?."