If you are looking for a beautiful addition to your landscape, consider snow fountains weeping cherry trees. Snow fountains are regarded as one of the finest of the weeping cherries. This small deciduous tree has long, cascading branches that hang down and kiss the ground.
About the Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry
The Snow Fountain cherry tree is an amazing choice to accent a garden or your lawn. It is also known as Snofozam, sold under the common name “Snow Fountain” and this deciduous tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It has a weeping habit, which is what many people find unique and beautiful about this particular tree.
The snow fountain cherry trees bloom in the spring and it has beautiful, white blooms. It’s a small and compact tree that can make a big statement with its beauty. It also comes in a low-growing form that can be used as a ground cover or to cascade over garden walls.
They have inedible fruits, meaning it is sometimes called ornamental cherry tree. It is known by different names but makes a beautiful focal point in your yard or garden.
If you are considering this ornamental tree for your own property, there are some things you should know about its care. Let’s explore.
How big does a snow fountain weeping cherry get?
A common question people will ask is how big it will get. This is important to help you with choosing the location to plant your weeping cherry. You want it to have enough room to grow and be healthy and also not take over areas where you don’t want it. At full growth, they can be about 8-15 feet high. They can also grow from 6-12 feet wide in their natural form.
How fast does a snow fountain weeping cherry grow?
This weeping tree is known for making a big statement, especially when fully grown. So, how long will it take to get there?
They can grow about 1-2 feet per year which makes them fairly fast-growing. You can definitely see the growth after even just a couple of years. For the best growth, be sure to water regularly. Typically, they need water weekly, but in very hot conditions, they may need it more frequently.
Are snow fountain weeping cherry trees messy?
One question that people have about these trees is if they are messy. They are very compact, and they don’t have messy fruit, so they work great for small yards, but they do require some specific care to make sure they stay healthy.
They are the perfect choice for hardiness zones 4-8 and if you want to add a whimsical look to your garden. You will also want to learn how to care for one properly before you make the choice to commit to planting them.
How to Care for Snow Fountains
Smaller gardens will do better with a smaller variety of snow fountains, and you’ll also want to be mindful of power lines overhead and other things that might be in the way once it starts to grow larger. It’s also important to know the soil types that do best with these white snow fountains.
Before you make the commitment to own a snow fountain, it’s important to know what kind of care it will require. This ensures you can commit to it before you make the investment.
How do you care for a snow fountain weeping cherry tree?
Here are some tips for caring for your snow fountain:
- Water two or three times a week
- Cover the base of the tree with mulch about 2 inches deep without letting it touch the trunk
- Use a wood stake to tie down and stabilize the tree when it is still growing
- Fertilize once a year in early spring when the buds appear
- Prune dropping branches in the fall
- Keep an eye out for insects, especially borers
- Keep an eye out for potential diseases
- Look for spider mites and treat right away if you see them
- Provide additional support through the first year, especially
Can I plant a weeping cherry tree close to my house?
It’s important not to go too close when planting a weeping cherry tree near your house. In fact, it’s recommended you leave at least 10 feet between where you plant the tree and your home when planting large varieties. This is because as it grows, the roots will expand, and it can cause damage to your home’s foundation if it is too close.
When planting smaller varieties, like the dwarf version, you can get a bit closer to your home, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. We advise giving that extra space, just in case.
Are there any things you should look out for when it comes to planting snow fountains on your property?
Things to Look Out for with Snow Fountains
Just like any other plant, there are some things to look out for. When monitoring new growth, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for signs of disease, bare branches, a leaf spot, or dry branches that indicate the tree may not be doing well.
New plants will need much more maintenance in the beginning, specifically in the first year. You should prune away any dead branches and also take care of the soil line. Organic mulch can be very helpful when used correctly.
Do weeping cherry trees have invasive roots?
The roots of cherry trees can be invasive but when grown in the right planting location, you can typically avoid most problems. Smaller varieties of this tree do best in smaller spaces, especially so you can be sure the roots won’t be a problem.
Another invasive plant if not kept in check, the wisteria vine is another beautiful addition to your yard: just make sure to plant it away from your house and trim it regularly.
What is the life expectancy of a weeping cherry tree?
The average life expectancy of the weeping cherry tree is 15 to 20 years, although, in the best conditions, they can sometimes live longer. Most weeping cherry trees in America will only live 10-20 years, unlike where they are grown in Japan or natively in China.
If your tree is forming dry, brittle branches and has wood that is soft and crumbling to touch, these are signs it is dying. If it’s not at the top of its life expectancy, then you might be able to save it if you can determine what is making it die.
Do weeping cherry trees lose their leaves in winter?
Yes, weeping cherry trees lose their leaves in the winter and regrow them in the spring.
As you can see, there are many things to love about the beautiful snow fountains weeping cherry trees and there are many benefits to choosing to have them on your own property. If you’ve done all the research and determined they are for you, we hope we’ve given you some great advice here to get started.
Will you get your own snow fountains now that you’ve learned more?
Lisa Clark is a freelance writer who grew up on farmland, then moved to the city, and has now retired back to her rural roots. She's having fun teaching her kids about gardening, planting flowers, and collecting houseplants.
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